The Maharashtra state government has cancelled the subsidy scheme for orange exports to Bangladesh following complaints that the benefits were not reaching farmers but were instead being cornered by intermediaries and large traders. The decision was announced through a government resolution (GR) issued by the State Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles Department on June 8.
Scheme Details and Cancellation
The state government had initially approved the scheme on December 7, 2023, with an outlay of Rs 169.60 crore. It aimed to provide 50% of the import duty imposed by Bangladesh for oranges exported from Maharashtra. However, after the scheme came into effect, it became evident that the subsidy amount was not reaching the intended beneficiaries—the farmers.
Taking cognisance of the complaints, the government kept the cancellation under consideration. The decision to discontinue the scheme was based on feedback from the Planning Department on October 9, 2025, the Finance Department on April 15, 2026, and approval at a State Cabinet meeting held on May 14, 2026.
Impact on Farmers
Farmers in Maharashtra, who are the primary producers of oranges, were expected to benefit from the subsidy. However, reports indicated that the subsidy was being exploited by intermediaries and larger traders, leaving small-scale farmers without the intended financial support. The cancellation aims to address these inequities and ensure that future schemes are designed to directly benefit the farming community.
This move reflects the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in agricultural subsidy programs.
