Maharashtra Cabinet Adds 40 Talukas to Drought List and Approves ₹5,000 Advance for Farmers

Maharashtra Cabinet Adds 40 Talukas to Drought List and Approves ₹5,000 Advance for Farmers

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the addition of 40 more talukas to the drought-hit list, raising the total to 305. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision on Wednesday. He also said each farmer will receive a ₹5,000 advance before Diwali as a relief measure.

Cabinet Decisions on Drought Relief

Fadnavis stated that drought had already been declared in 265 talukas. Demands from various areas led the Cabinet to review reports and include 40 additional talukas. He cited the worsening drought situation and confirmed that the ₹5,000 advance will be credited to farmers’ bank accounts before Diwali. The government is implementing a farm loan waiver scheme and has directed banks and credit societies not to initiate recovery from farmers.

Fadnavis noted that the number of water tankers is increasing. Water levels in Marathwada have dropped by three metres, and the water crisis is particularly severe in that region. The government has ordered GPS tracking of water tankers to monitor their movement and ensure proper distribution.

Fodder and Crop Losses

The Cabinet reviewed the fodder situation, which has become a major concern. The government will procure fodder at an assured price and encourage farmers to cultivate it to ensure adequate supply for livestock. An 11-member central inter-ministerial team toured drought-affected areas in Maharashtra last week. The team assessed the severity of the situation and assured the state of maximum possible financial assistance from the Centre. Maharashtra is expected to submit a fresh proposal seeking higher relief rates under the National Disaster Response Fund.

On Sunday, Fadnavis met the central team and highlighted the unprecedented nature of the drought. He said both kharif and rabi crops suffered extensive damage, leaving farmers with little scope to recover losses through summer cultivation. Assistance is being planned through employment generation and food security schemes.

Relief Package and Assessments

On October 7, Fadnavis met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and submitted an interim proposal for a ₹17,500-crore relief package. The proposal included ₹13,000 crore for crop losses and ₹4,500 crore for fodder management. The remaining components, including drinking water supply and the employment guarantee scheme, are expected to be added to the final proposal, which could raise the overall demand substantially.

Crop loss assessments have been completed in 75 percent of the 32,927 villages identified as drought-affected. State government figures show crops over 14.93 million hectares have been damaged due to water stress, affecting 14.1 million farmers. Under NDRF norms introduced in 2023, compensation for crop loss ranges from ₹7,500 to ₹22,000 per hectare depending on the crop category. The state government is expected to seek higher compensation.

Drinking water scarcity and fodder availability remain among the biggest challenges. Fadnavis said last week that existing fodder stock would last only 90 to 120 days. The state has prioritised drinking water supply, especially in villages where sources have dried up. Water has been reserved for drinking purposes until August 2027, with separate provisions for people and livestock. The government also plans desilting, repairs, and rejuvenation of water storage structures under central and state schemes.