Panel formed to suggest ways to lift farmers from debt trap

Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, who made the announcement in the Assembly, said the government is aiming for sustainable solutions, not temporary relief.

“Farmers face losses due to hailstorms, erratic rain, and natural disasters. When they default, banks deny fresh loans. The committee will recommend ways to prevent such a cycle,” Kokate said.
He added that the committee’s tenure and membership will be finalised after consultations with the chairman.

Kokate’s announcement led to immediate confusion over whether the committee was a precursor to a loan waiver.

Opposition parties, however, dismissed the move as a delay tactic.

“This is nothing but time-pass. When I was CM, we announced loan waivers without any committees,” said Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT).

“The Sunil Kendrekar Committee has already submitted a report. Why study more?” asked Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council.

Jayant Patil of NCP (SP) accused the government of misleading farmers saying, “they might declare a waiver in 2029. Right now, it’s just gimmicks.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the move, saying repeated waivers are not a long-term fix.
“We are not backtracking. Waivers are temporary. No government can afford one every five years. This committee will explore permanent solutions,” Fadnavis said.

The announcement comes even as farmer suicides continue at an alarming rate — eight a day on average, according to official data cited in the House.