The Maharashtra government has declared 265 out of 358 talukas in the state as drought-affected following a prolonged shortage of rainfall. The decision covers nearly 74% of the state and comes amid growing concerns over crop damage, water availability and the impact on farmers and agricultural workers.
The declaration follows Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ visits to several drought-hit areas, including parts of Latur, Dharashiv and Solapur, where farmers reported crop losses and shortages of water and fodder. The state had already begun crop-damage assessments and preparations for relief measures.
Marathwada Faces Major Rainfall Deficit
The rainfall shortage has been particularly severe in Marathwada. Dharashiv and Beed have faced long gaps in rainfall, affecting standing Kharif crops as well as water availability for people and livestock.
Government data cited in the report shows that the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division received 424.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 613.1 mm between June 1 and September 18. This represents a deficit of 30.8%.
Dharashiv is among the districts in the Marathwada region covered by the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division. The prolonged dry spell has raised concerns over soybean, cotton, maize, pulses and other Kharif crops.
Rain Deficit Across Several Divisions
The rainfall shortage has not been limited to Marathwada. The Pune and Nashik divisions have also recorded deficits of around 30%, while the Amravati and Nagpur divisions have reported shortages of about 27%.
The Konkan division has seen a comparatively smaller deficit of 6.3%.
Overall, Maharashtra received 755.9 mm of rainfall between June and September 18, against the normal 932.3 mm, resulting in an 18.8% deficit.
Several districts recorded an even sharper shortage, with at least six districts reporting rainfall deficits between 40% and 50%. Amravati, Solapur and Latur are among the districts facing substantial rainfall shortages.
Kharif Crops Hit By Dry Spell
The rainfall shortage has affected the state’s Kharif season, during which farmers grow crops such as soybean, cotton, millet, maize, tur, moong and urad.
Farmers in several districts have reported crop failures following prolonged dry conditions. The shortage of moisture has also been accompanied by increased pest and disease attacks, adding to the pressure on cultivators.
Farmers in several parts of Maharashtra had staged protests on September 16, demanding drought relief and compensation for crop losses.
Crop Surveys Underway
The state government has already ordered field-level assessments to determine the extent of crop damage. Fadnavis had said that crop-damage surveys and ground verification would be carried out to assess the situation before relief measures are finalised.
The government has also formed a cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to oversee drought-relief measures and monitor the situation across affected regions.
The drought declaration is expected to pave the way for relief measures for affected farmers, while authorities will continue monitoring rainfall, crop conditions, drinking-water availability and fodder requirements across the state.
