Maharashtra faces drought relief demands amid crop damage

Farmers and political leaders in Maharashtra are calling for urgent government intervention to address severe drought conditions and crop damage caused by inadequate rainfall.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the state government will initiate drought relief measures using its own funds rather than waiting for Central assistance. Formal crop-loss assessments are scheduled to begin after October 5, which will then allow the state to apply for aid under National Disaster Response Force guidelines.

In various regions, specific grievances have been raised. In Jalgaon, farmers in Ravankola reported that because their lands are registered as grazing land (Gairan) in online records, they are unable to register crops on the e-Pik Pahani app, preventing them from accessing crop insurance and loans. In Nanded, MLA Dr. Ratnakar Gutte has urged the Agriculture Minister to declare a dry drought and provide immediate aid for drinking water and livestock fodder.

Additionally, farmers along the Bhima River are demanding the immediate installation of dam gates to prevent water from flowing away, arguing that the current water scarcity threatens final-stage crops like sugarcane. Local irrigation officials have indicated that gate heights may be increased to help manage the crisis.