State Aims to Tighten System, Prevent Fraud with Mandatory Digital Identification
MUMBAI, 13 April 2025 - Starting April 15th, farmers across Maharashtra will need a unique Farmer ID to access any government agricultural scheme benefits. This new rule, announced by the state agriculture department, is a significant step towards tackling corruption and plugging loopholes in the distribution of aid.
The mandatory ID will be issued under the AgriStack Maharashtra Farmer Registration (MHFR) system, a digital platform designed to consolidate farmer data.
The AgriStack system will house farmers' land records, crop details, and personal information, aiming to streamline the delivery of subsidies, crop insurance, and direct benefit transfers (DBT). Officials believe this digital consolidation will enhance transparency and ensure that only eligible farmers receive assistance.
A senior agriculture department official told a anationa daily that nine million farmers already have their unique Farmer IDs. While the PM Kisan Yojana currently covers 12 million farmers in the state, the remaining three million will soon be integrated into the AgriStack system.
"The goal is to account for every farmer, minimizing any chance of fraud," the official stressed.
AgriStack Maharashtra is part of a broader push to modernize Indian agriculture through digital transformation. The platform aims to connect all stakeholders, including farmers, government agencies, insurers, and agri-tech companies. Integrated digital services will also allow for real-time tracking of land and crops, aiding the state in better agricultural planning.
The move comes after the agriculture department faced scrutiny last year over potential irregularities in a proposed shift in payment methods. The universal Farmer ID system, reportedly backed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is seen as a key measure to enhance accountability. The government believes this digital identification will simplify scheme access for farmers and improve the audit and tracking of subsidies.
By centralizing farmer data, Maharashtra aims to create a robust system that can effectively distinguish between eligible and ineligible beneficiaries, ensuring public funds are used efficiently. The system is also expected to lay the groundwork for future agri-tech collaborations and informed policy decisions.
Farmers in Maharashtra are now being urged to register and verify their details under the AgriStack MHFR system to avoid any disruption in receiving crucial government support after the April 15th deadline.
