Drought has been declared in 265 talukas of Maharashtra and support measures have been introduced

The authorities of Maharashtra have declared a drought in 265 out of 358 talukas of the state, which accounts for 74% of the territory, amid a rainfall deficit. The government resolution dated September 25 lists 32 affected districts, among which the highest number of affected talukas was recorded in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division at 74.

To declare drought conditions and initiate support, "Trigger-1" was activated under the state Drought Management Manual 2016 (updated in 2020). This stage is introduced when a 25% rainfall deficit is combined with a dry spell lasting 21 days.

On Saturday, the government decided on relief measures such as agricultural loan restructuring, land revenue waivers, and electricity subsidies for pumps. Financial assistance for crop loss will be approved separately after the established procedures are completed.

In addition to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (74 talukas), the affected divisions include Amravati (56), Nashik (49), Nagpur (39), Pune (35), Thane (12), as well as Sindhudurg (8), Ratnagiri (3), and Raigad (1).

State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne stated that officials will conduct accurate and transparent panchnamas (harvest loss assessments), urgently organize crop-cutting experiments, and ensure that farmers receive payouts under crop insurance and government schemes.