Maharashtra Drought: Centre Forms Team to Assess Damage in 265 Talukas

The Centre has constituted an inter-ministerial team to assess the drought situation in Maharashtra, where 265 of the state’s 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected amid a rainfall deficit. The team will visit affected areas and assess crop losses, water availability and the broader impact on farmers before recommending relief and rehabilitation measures.

According to Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne, the central team will work in coordination with the state government and submit its findings to the Centre after assessing the situation on the ground. Its recommendations are expected to help determine the assistance required for drought-hit farmers.

The team will be headed by Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Representatives from 10 central government departments and agencies, including the finance and agriculture departments and NITI Aayog, will be part of the assessment exercise.

The team will examine the severity of the drought and recommend measures for assistance under the Centre’s and state’s disaster response funds. It will also suggest immediate interventions and longer-term rehabilitation measures.
The move follows Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ submission of an interim report to the Centre seeking financial assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Bharne said he had highlighted the seriousness of the situation and the difficulties faced by farmers during a recent Rabi season review meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi. He had sought an early visit by a central team to assess the drought conditions directly.

The Centre’s move comes as the state government estimates that a large part of Maharashtra is facing drought-related stress, with crops suffering extensive damage. The assessment is expected to pave the way for central assistance to affected farmers.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and discussed the drought situation. According to Shinde, Modi sought details on water and fodder availability as well as crop damage and assured central support in dealing with the crisis.

The Maharashtra government had declared drought in 265 talukas on September 26, representing nearly 74 percent of the state’s talukas, following inadequate rainfall. The state government has said it will continue to pursue the matter with the Centre for relief and support to affected farming communities.