Maharashtra declares 305 talukas drought-affected as rainfall deficit hits 19 per cent
More than eight lakh farmers have been affected by the crisis, prompting the state to approve Rs 7,500 crore in relief measures.
The Maharashtra government has declared 305 of the state's 358 talukas as drought-affected, according to The New Indian Express. The declaration follows a 19% rainfall shortfall during the 2026 southwest monsoon, where the state received 804.4 mm against the seasonal average of 994.5 mm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) identified El Niño as a major factor behind the below-average rainfall. The Marathwada region recorded the highest regional rainfall deficit at 38 per cent, with Hingoli district seeing a 48 per cent deficit. In the Vidarbha region, Amravati reported the highest deficit at 42 per cent.
The drought has impacted major crops including soybean, tur, and cotton due to moisture stress. It has also led to a green fodder deficit of 22.79 per cent and a dry fodder deficit of 21.43 per cent, affecting approximately 2.78 crore livestock.
To address the crisis, the state cabinet approved a Fodder Development Policy and a Rs 7,500 crore relief package. Under this, 1.5 crore farmers are to receive a Rs 5,000 advance.
The government has also sanctioned Rs 62 crore to distribute fodder seeds. Under the Chief Minister Rural Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme, the state is providing a 100 per cent subsidy on fodder seeds, with individual farmers receiving up to Rs 4,000 for one hectare of cultivation.