The Maharashtra government on Saturday declared drought conditions in 265 of the state's 358 talukas after reviewing rainfall, water availability and crop conditions during the 2026 Kharif season. The decision covers about 74 per cent of the state's talukas and comes after a prolonged shortage of rain affected farming and water resources in several regions.Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured farmers that the government would take steps to provide relief in the drought-affected areas. The government has announced a package of measures covering farmers, rural workers, students and other affected families.Key HighlightsDrought declared in 265 of 358 talukas across Maharashtra.The affected areas cover about 74 per cent of the state's talukas.The government has announced 12 relief measures for drought-affected people.Crop damage, drinking water, fodder and agricultural power supply are among the major concerns.Ground-level assessments will help determine assistance for affected farmers.Why Maharashtra Declared Drought in 265 TalukasThe decision followed a review of the rainfall situation and agricultural conditions across the state. Many areas received inadequate rainfall during the Kharif season, while a long dry spell affected standing crops."The government resolution covers 265 talukas spread across 34 of Maharashtra's 36 districts. The affected regions include parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha, western Maharashtra, northern Maharashtra and Konkan."In some areas, the shortage has affected not only crops but also drinking water and fodder for cattle. Reports from districts such as Dharashiv and Beed said rainfall had been poor since July, increasing pressure on farmers and rural communities.The drought declaration was made after the government reviewed available data under the state's drought assessment system. The affected talukas have met the Trigger-I criteria under the Drought Management Code, according to reporting on the government decision.Shinde Assures Farmers of Government SupportDeputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is among the Maharashtra government leaders who have been reviewing the drought situation and the impact on farming communities.The government's relief approach focuses on providing support in areas where farmers are facing crop losses and shortages of water and fodder.Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said on Saturday that the actual assistance to individual farmers would be decided after a ground-level assessment. She said the government had announced 12 relief measures, including concessions related to students' educational fees and the expansion of employment guarantee works.This means the declaration of drought provides the framework for relief, while the extent of assistance to particular farmers will depend on assessment of the damage and applicable government norms.Relief Measures for FarmersThe state government's package includes several measures intended to reduce the pressure on drought-affected families.Reported measures include relief related to agricultural electricity bills, crop loans, land revenue and employment guarantee work. The government has also directed officials to complete crop-loss assessments and related panchnama work.Agricultural power supply is another major concern. Reports on the government's measures said electricity connections for agricultural pumps in drought-declared villages would be protected from disconnection, while concessions are being provided on agricultural power bills.The government also plans to increase employment opportunities through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. More works can provide income to rural workers at a time when farming activity has been affected by the dry conditions.Support for Water, Fodder and Rural FamiliesThe drought situation has created concerns about drinking water and fodder in several parts of the state.Sunetra Pawar said the situation in Marathwada was difficult, with crops damaged or dried up and problems related to drinking water and cattle fodder.The government has also indicated that fodder arrangements and water conservation work will be taken up in affected areas.For farmers, the availability of water is important not only for the current Kharif crop but also for livestock and future agricultural activity. Local administration will therefore have an important role in identifying areas requiring immediate assistance.Ground Assessment to Decide Farmer AidThe government has said that ground-level assessment will be important in deciding the actual assistance available to farmers.Maharashtra's relief process generally includes a panchnama, in which government officials record the extent of damage. The information is then examined at the district and state levels before eligible relief is approved. The state Relief and Rehabilitation Department says approved assistance is transferred through a direct-benefit process after required verification.The current drought declaration therefore marks the beginning of a wider relief process rather than the final calculation of every farmer's compensation.Government to Monitor the SituationThe drought declaration comes after weeks of concern over rainfall and crop conditions across Maharashtra. Earlier in September, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that several parts of the state were facing a drought-like situation after a prolonged break in rainfall damaged standing crops.With 265 talukas now officially covered by the drought declaration, the administration will have to assess crop losses and local shortages and implement the announced relief measures.The government has said that farmers and rural communities affected by the drought will receive assistance according to the applicable rules and ground-level assessment. The coming weeks will be important for completing damage surveys, arranging water and fodder and ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive the announced support.
