State taking drought measures, open to suggestions from Sharad Pawar: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that the Maharashtra government has already initiated several key measures regarding drought mitigation and farmer relief. He noted that the overall drought situation and prospective financial assistance were formally discussed during the recent Cabinet meeting. He was responding to a letter written to him by the NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar requesting immediate state intervention for the drought-like situation across Maharashtra.

CM Fadnavis said that the state government’s farm loan waiver program is actively underway. Three beneficiary lists have already been published, and additional lists are currently being prepared to ensure all eligible farmers receive assistance. Crop damage assessment (panchnamas) conducted as per National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) protocols starting October 5 will be submitted to secure central financial aid.

He further stated that the government is taking the drought situation with utmost seriousness, making necessary provisions for fodder camps and drinking water supply across impacted regions. Welcoming Pawar’s letter, he said that the state administration is open to incorporating further constructive suggestions without giving the issue a political colour.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reviewed the Maharashtra's rainfall situation and reassured farmers facing severe crop damage due to dry spells. He asserted that the government will not abandon the farming community and will provide complete support in drought-like regions. Responding to Sharad Pawar’s demand urging the state government to officially declare a drought and distribute immediate relief aid, he acknowledged that dry spells have scorched standing crops in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada. Crop loss assessments (panchnamas) are currently underway to distribute aid based on actual losses.

Earlier, Pawar raised urgent concerns regarding standing crops, drinking water shortages, and fodder scarcity for livestock."Due to the failure of rains across most parts of the state this year, the farming community is facing a massive crisis. Standing crops such as soybean, cotton, pearl millet (bajra), maize, pigeon pea (tur), green gram (moong), and black gram (udid) have withered away, compounded by an increase in pest infestations. Consequently, the situation regarding agriculture, drinking water, and fodder supply is set to worsen," he noted.

He has demanded immediate declaration of drought bypassing formal procedural norms to declare drought immediately. Identify worst-hit talukas as drought-affected and implement relief measures without delay, provide financial aid of at least Rs 50,000 per hectare to affected farmers and a special assistance package of Rs 25,000 to land less farm-labor households and implement a farm loan waiver immediately to ensure fresh crop credit.

Pointing out the stark ground reality, Pawar emphasised that deficient rainfall has severely impacted crops across Marathwada and other parts of the state, leaving farmers in deep distress. He raised urgent concerns regarding standing crops, drinking water shortages, and fodder scarcity for livestock.

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