Lakhs of acres of farmland have been destroyed across Maharashtra due to relentless rains and flooding, leaving 33 districts grappling with devastation as farmers wait anxiously for relief.
After days of heavy downpours, water levels remain high in many parts of the state. Marathwada, Solapur, and Ahilyanagar districts in western Maharashtra are among the hardest hit. State officials estimate that crops spread over nearly 6 million hectares have been ruined, and experts warn the losses could cross 10 million hectares if rains persist. Maharashtra, not typically flood-prone, has faced extraordinary rainfall this monsoon, erasing months of farmers’ efforts.
Sugarcane fields have suffered extensive damage in several regions.
Severely Hit Regions
Areas along the Godavari River—Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Jalna, Hingoli, Parbhani, and Nanded—have suffered extensive agricultural losses. On the banks of the Sina River, flooding in Ahilyanagar, Solapur, and Dharashiv has wiped out large sections of fertile land. Fields in Beed, Jalna, Dharashiv, and Solapur have been washed away, compounding the crisis for local farmers.
Major damage has struck crops like soybean, pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, cotton, and sugarcane. Fruit crops including sweet lime, mango, grapes, pomegranate, and guava have also been impacted. Alongside crop losses, erosion of nutrient-rich soil, destruction of irrigation systems, and livestock deaths have deepened distress across rural communities.
Vast tracts of fertile soil have been eroded, destroying crops and setting off a fresh agricultural crisis.
Farmers Await Government Relief
To compensate for losses between May and August, the state government has credited ₹2,250 crore into farmers’ accounts. Presently, affected farmers receive ₹8,000 per 2 hectares as assistance.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, providing an update on the disaster and seeking central financial support. The Centre has asked for detailed damage assessments, which the state plans to submit soon. Relief packages are expected before Diwali, according to officials. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also assured that all possible measures will be taken to support flood-hit farmers.
Soybean crops have turned black from prolonged waterlogging.
Meanwhile, there are growing calls for a loan waiver to ease farmers’ burdens. Experts caution that without timely and adequate relief, distress among farmers could escalate, potentially fueling a rise in suicides.