Concerns over the security of farmers’ personal data and the alleged involvement of private agencies in generating Farmer Identification Numbers were raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, prompting the state government to assure that strict action would be taken if any irregularities were found, reported news agency PTI.
During Question Hour, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar questioned the process of issuing Farmer IDs and warned about potential risks to the sensitive data of cultivators.
Congress raises concerns over role of private agencies
Wadettiwar alleged that in some areas Farmer ID cards were being printed and sold through Common Service Centres and other agencies, raising questions about the involvement of private entities in the process, reported PTI.
He urged the government to conduct a thorough inquiry to determine whether private companies had been entrusted with generating the identification numbers and whether the tender process for assigning such work had been carried out transparently.
The Congress leader also pointed out that the Farmer ID system involves the collection of sensitive information such as personal details and bank account data of farmers, reported PTI.
Given the nature of the information involved, he sought clarity on safeguards put in place to prevent cyber hacking, data misuse or theft.
The Farmer ID initiative is part of a nationwide push to digitise the agriculture sector, with cultivators being issued a unique identification number similar to Aadhaar to streamline access to government schemes.
Government says Farmer IDs not meant to be sold
Responding to the concerns, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Datta Bharane clarified that Farmer ID cards are not officially meant to be printed or sold, reported PTI.
He said that if any Common Service Centre or private agency is found to be selling such cards, strict action would be taken.
According to Bharane, the government has not received any formal complaints regarding the sale of Farmer ID cards so far. However, he assured the House that any irregularities brought to the government’s notice would be investigated and dealt with appropriately, reported PTI.
The minister added that the process of creating Farmer IDs is designed to simplify the delivery of government benefits and agricultural schemes through digital infrastructure.
Over 1.31 crore Farmer IDs generated in Maharashtra
Bharane said that Maharashtra has made significant progress in implementing the Farmer ID system.
According to the latest figures, the state has around 1.71 crore farmers as per the agricultural census, and as of March 4, 2026, more than 1.31 crore Farmer IDs have already been generated.
He said Maharashtra is among the leading states in issuing Farmer ID cards and integrating farmers into digital service platforms.
Rs 15,817 crore relief given to farmers for crop losses
Meanwhile, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makrand Patil informed the Assembly that the state government has provided financial assistance worth Rs 15,817 crore to farmers affected by crop losses during the 2023-24 Kharif season, reported PTI.
He said approximately 1.02 crore farmers suffered crop damage across 79.82 lakh hectares of farmland in the state.
The government extended financial assistance to help farmers cope with the losses, he added.
Jalgaon district alone reported crop losses worth about Rs 22 crore, of which Rs 15.77 crore has already been distributed as aid.
Compensation extended beyond standard norms
Patil explained that compensation for crop losses is generally provided in accordance with norms set under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), reported PTI.
However, as a special measure, the state government increased the eligibility limit for assistance from two hectares to three hectares of affected land.
The government also extended aid to farmers whose fields were submerged due to floods even in cases where rainfall levels were relatively lower than the usual threshold.
Some legislators raised concerns that nearly 97,000 farmers in certain talukas were left out of relief as rainfall levels did not meet the required criteria.
Patil said assistance could be provided only if rainfall data meets the parameters defined under NDRF guidelines. However, he added that the government would examine specific cases if legislators submitted written representations, reported PTI.
Government addressing pending payments and other issues
The minister also addressed pending payments under the Rs 32,000 crore special relief package announced for farmers affected during the 2023–24 Kharif season, reported PTI.
He said some beneficiaries have not yet received financial assistance due to KYC verification issues and technical glitches, which are currently being resolved.
In Yavatmal district alone, about Rs 1,270 crore has already been transferred directly to the bank accounts of nearly seven lakh farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Govt assures action against illegal mining
Separately, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik responded to concerns raised by legislators regarding illegal mining activities in certain areas.
He said authorities remain vigilant and that action would be taken whenever credible information about illegal extraction of minerals is received.
“The Tahsildar, police and forest department are all alert. I cannot claim that no thefts are happening, but any information provided by citizens will lead to immediate action,” Naik said, reported PTI.
He urged legislators and citizens to share specific details such as division, range and village locations to help authorities curb unauthorised mining activities effectively.
(With inputs from PTI)
