Maharashtra Farmers Need Immediate Drought Declaration, Rs 50,000/ha Aid: Sharad Pawar

Former Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to declare drought immediately in the state in view of prolonged rains deficit and the mounting distress among farmers. He said the government should not wait for formal drought criteria where conditions are already severe.

In a letter to Fadnavis, Pawar demanded that talukas facing serious conditions be declared drought-like and relief measures implemented without delay. He sought financial assistance of at least Rs 50,000 per hectare for affected farmers and Rs 25,000 per agricultural labourer family.

Read this: 15 Percent Monsoon Deficit Pushes Over Half of India into Drought

Pawar also called for immediate implementation of a loan waiver scheme and restoration of crop-loan availability. The incentive for farmers who regularly repay loans should be doubled from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, he said. Farmers who obtained crop loans during 2025-26 but defaulted this year should also be covered under the proposed waiver.

On crop insurance, Pawar demanded retrospective implementation of the one-rupee crop insurance scheme and restoration of all previously excluded triggers so that affected farmers receive insurance protection. He also sought immediate distribution of the Rs 17,000-per-hectare assistance announced for crop losses caused by unseasonal rains last year.

For drought-like talukas, Pawar proposed special works under the Employment Guarantee Scheme, including agriculture and water-conservation projects. He also sought tanker arrangements to protect orchards.

Water, fodder and power measures

Pawar called for immediate surveys in villages facing drinking-water shortages and deployment of government tankers wherever required. Fodder camps should be opened based on demand, while drinking water and veterinary services should be ensured for livestock.

He also highlighted rising concerns over power supply during drought conditions and called for a special Energy Department campaign to complete repairs of electricity generators and related infrastructure promptly.

Monitoring and education relief

Pawar proposed state and district-level control rooms to monitor rainfall, crop conditions, water availability, fodder supplies and livestock conditions on a daily basis.

He further demanded a complete waiver of educational fees, along with examination fees, for students studying in schools, colleges and other educational institutions in drought-affected talukas.