Maharashtra seeks ₹31,000 crore from Centre for drought relief
The state government has submitted a proposal for financial aid following a crop-loss assessment in 304 drought-hit talukas.
The Maharashtra government has submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking approximately ₹31,000 crore to compensate farmers for agricultural losses, according to the Hindustan Times. This follows a detailed assessment of crop damage across 37,496 villages in 304 talukas where drought conditions exist.
The assessment reported that crops on 14.15 million hectares out of 16.6 million hectares under cultivation in these areas suffered losses exceeding 33 per cent. Under current norms, farmers with losses of 33 per cent or more qualify for assistance, with compensation rates ranging from ₹8,500 to ₹22,500 per hectare depending on the land type.
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil and the state government have also announced measures for flood-hit farmers. According to The Hindu, the state has approved ₹291.91 crore in relief for those affected by heavy rainfall and flooding between June and August 2026.
This flood relief includes ₹262.70 crore for crop damage affecting 3,09,289 farmers in six revenue divisions, such as Pune and Nagpur, and ₹29.21 crore for damage to 7,675.40 hectares of agricultural land. The government has directed district collectors to ensure banks do not use these disaster relief payments for loan recoveries.
To address drought, the state has formed a high-level committee led by the Chief Minister to oversee soil and water conservation. Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod said the committee will monitor projects involving organisations like the Paani Foundation.