Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Talukas; Relief Efforts Begin
Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Talukas; Relief Efforts Begin
Maharashtra faces widespread drought as 265 talukas are declared affected due to severe rainfall deficit. Government activates 12 relief measures to support farmers. Learn about the crisis and the state's response.
The Maharashtra Government recently issued a resolution declaring drought in 265 out of the state’s 358 talukas. This critical decision, made on Saturday, September 26, 2026, follows a report from the Agriculture Commissioner highlighting prolonged rainfall deficits and significant crop loss across the state.
Major regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, North Maharashtra, and the Pune division are severely impacted.
Districts facing the worst hit include Yavatmal (16 talukas), Jalgaon (15), and Ahilyanagar, Nagpur, Amravati, and Nanded (14 talukas each).
The state recorded an 18.8% rainfall deficit, with only 755.9 mm of rain received from June to September 18.
To combat the dire situation, the government has activated 12 immediate relief measures. These include a land revenue waiver, restructuring of crop loans, a stay on farm loan recovery, exemption from agricultural pump electricity bills, and a waiver for school examination fees.
Additionally, the measures cover relaxation of MNREGA work requirements, provision of drinking water tankers, a ban on pump disconnections, and ensuring food grain and fodder security.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis previously announced the formation of a Cabinet subcommittee, led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, to oversee the drought relief initiatives. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar reassured the public, stating, “government will not leave the drought-affected farmers in the lurch.” She also confirmed instructions to initiate water conservation works and plan for drinking water supplies, with assistance for crop losses to be announced via a separate resolution.
The declaration came after “Trigger 1” was applied, as per the Drought Management Code 2016, indicating a continuous dry spell of at least 21 days. District Collectors have been instructed to conduct 'panchnamas' (on-site assessments) and meticulously document crop conditions using photographs and GPS coordinates, with reports to be submitted promptly to the Agriculture Commissioner.
While farmer leader Ajit Navale welcomed the move, he emphasized the need for adequate compensation, noting that while the CM mentioned relief under NDRF, it might not suffice given that farmers have endured losses for two Kharif seasons. This year's deficit stands in stark contrast to 2025, when several regions of Marathwada experienced heavy downpours, leading to crop and topsoil loss.
The Kisan Sabha, a farmers' organization, has called for an expansion of the loan waiver announced in June 2026.
