Mumbai: Facing a severe agricultural crisis driven by the El Nino phenomenon, the Maharashtra government has officially declared drought across 265 of the state’s 358 taluks, covering nearly 74% of its geographical area.

The decision follows extensive field visits by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a comprehensive assessment by the Agriculture Commissioner. The report revealed widespread crop distress across 32 districts due to a severe dry spell and an overall 18.8% rainfall deficit between June and mid-September.

To initiate immediate interventions, the state activated 'Trigger-1' under the 2016 Drought Management Manual (updated in 2020) – a protocol triggered when a rainfall deficit exceeds 25% alongside a continuous 21-day dry spell.


Key districts and regional impact

Regions hit hardest include the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division (Marathwada), which recorded a 30.8% rainfall deficit, alongside Pune and Nashik divisions (around 30% deficit) and Amravati and Nagpur divisions (27% deficit). Districts such as Solapur, Latur and Amravati suffered rainfall deficits reaching between 40% and 50%.


Approved relief measures

A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the state administration outlines a multi-pronged relief strategy for the affected areas.

  • Agricultural and financial relief: Restructuring of active crop loans, deferment of agricultural loan recovery and concessions on land revenue.
  • Power subsidies: Power bill concessions for agricultural pumps exceeding 7.5 horsepower (pumps up to 7.5 HP already benefit from a complete fee waiver).
  • Student and employment support: Examination fee waivers for school and college students, alongside relaxed norms under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to expand public works.
  • Essential supplies: Deployment of drinking water tankers, uninterrupted power supply for village water pumps and guaranteed grain and fodder distribution for farming families and livestock.

District collectors have been ordered to conduct geotagged, GPS-mapped crop-loss assessments. The government confirmed that a supplementary GR detailing direct financial compensation for crop damage will be issued once field surveys are finalised.

PTI