Full Breakdown
Maharashtra Drought Response: Government Relief Measures and Farmer Impact
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Core Event – Severe Drought in Latur and Dharashiv
In late September 2026, Maharashtra’s Latur and Dharashiv districts recorded only about 50 % of normal rainfall, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to visit the parched fields. Farmers reported withered soybean crops, empty wells and acute shortages of drinking water and cattle fodder.
Background & Context
The drought follows an El Niño-driven weak monsoon that left the state with 80.82 % of its average rainfall between June 1 and September 21. Rainfall deficits ranged from 35 % to 50 % in key districts such as Solapur, Latur, Dharashiv, Beed and Parbhani. The delayed kharif sowing (July 15 instead of June 10) and subsequent dry spells further stressed soybean, cotton, maize and sorghum production.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall: 80.82 % of average (June 1–Sept 21); 48.65 % in Solapur; 50-65 % in 17 districts.
- Crop loss estimates: soybean, moong and urad projected to lose 80-90 %; bajra, maize and tur 60-70 %; cotton 40-50 % in Jalna.
- Dam storage (Sept 20): 138 major dams at 85 % capacity; 264 medium dams at 65 %; small/micro dams at 43 % (down from 57 % a year earlier).
- Affected area: 13.727 million hectares of kharif sowing (?95 % of the five-year average).
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Minister Fadnavis announced a Government Resolution within two days to trigger drought relief, covering drinking-water supply, fodder, cash assistance, food grains and continuation of the farm-loan waiver. He directed municipal bodies to secure water supplies through June 2027 and ordered immediate field-level “panchnamas” to assess crop damage.
A cabinet sub-committee chaired by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule was formed with cabinet-equivalent powers to review weekly field reports and approve relief measures. The committee will fast-track assistance without awaiting central funds, though a proposal under the National Disaster Response Fund will be submitted after the statutory assessment period beginning October 5.
Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were tasked with visiting affected talukas and interacting with farmers.
Criticism & Opposition
Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal accused the administration of “protracted meetings” while crops fail, demanding a full farm-loan waiver and INR1 lakh per hectare compensation, citing instances where only a few farmers received minimal payouts.
Verbatim Quote
- “We have planned the drinking-water supply in such a way that the available stock will last until next June. Super El Niño has created a very serious situation,” — Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra chief minister
What's Next – Upcoming Actions
- Drought mitigation notification: Fadnavis said on September 22, 2026 the first notification would be issued within three days.
- Field assessments: Panchnamas to begin the Wednesday after the cabinet meeting.
- Weekly sub-committee reviews: The committee will convene each week to examine field reports and approve relief actions.
- Central assistance proposal: A formal request under NDRF norms will be prepared after the October 5 assessment window opens.
These steps aim to address immediate water and fodder shortages while establishing a framework for longer-term drought mitigation across Maharashtra’s most vulnerable districts.