Mumbai, September 26, 2026: The Maharashtra government has declared 265 talukas in the state as drought-affected. According to the government, 265 of the total 358 talukas have been brought under drought conditions. In view of the rainfall deficit and its impact on agriculture, the government has announced relief measures for affected areas.
The government said various measures would be taken at different levels to provide relief to farmers affected by drought. These include relief in land revenue, restructuring of crop loans and preparation of panchnamas to assess crop damage. The administration has been directed to speed up the assessment of losses in affected areas and the process of providing relief to eligible farmers.
The rainfall deficit has directly affected agriculture. Farmers in several areas have faced difficulties with the sowing and production of kharif crops. Reduced rainfall has also led to lower moisture levels in fields, while irrigation and drinking water problems have emerged in some areas. This has increased concerns over the financial condition of farmers in the drought-declared talukas.
The local administration will carry out the panchnama process to assess crop losses. Based on the assessment, affected farmers will receive assistance according to government rules. Restructuring crop loans is intended to reduce the immediate financial pressure on farmers.
Measures such as relief in land revenue are also expected to provide some financial support to affected people. The government has instructed officials to take necessary steps according to local conditions and monitor relief operations.
In view of the drought situation, the need for water, fodder and agricultural assistance may increase in the coming period. The administration has been directed to monitor sensitive areas and take additional measures as required.
The state government said the situation in drought-affected talukas would be assessed continuously and relief measures would be expanded as necessary. Assistance to farmers will be determined according to government norms and the assessment of losses.
