# Maharashtra drought and agrarian crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maharashtra-drought-and-agrarian-crisis > Updated: 2026-09-26T05:48:44.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 7. Maharashtra is experiencing a severe agrarian crisis driven by a significant monsoon deficit, exacerbated by El Nino. Reports indicate that 31 of the state’s 36 districts received rainfall well below normal levels, causing widespread damage to Kharif crops such as soybean, cotton, and maize, while also creating shortages of drinking water and livestock fodder across Marathwada, Vidarbha, Khandesh, and Western Maharashtra. Following a report from the Agriculture Commissioner, the state has formally declared drought conditions in 265 of its 358 talukas, covering approximately 74 to 75 percent of the region. The state has recorded a 17 percent rainfall deficit, with some districts, such as Solapur, experiencing a shortfall as high as 57 percent. To mitigate the crisis, the government has activated ‘Trigger-1’ of the Drought Management Code, enabling a 12-point relief and concessions package. These measures include the restructuring of crop loans, a stay on farm loan recovery, land revenue waivers, and electricity concessions for agricultural pumps. Additionally, the state will provide drinking water via tankers, food grains, and fodder for livestock, alongside educational relief such as the waiver of examination fees for students from affected farming families. District Collectors have been directed to conduct crop loss assessments, or ‘panchnamas’, using GPS coordinates and geotagged photography to determine compensation. In response to the crisis, the Shiv Sena party has announced additional initiatives, such as financial assistance for weddings in distressed families to prevent extreme measures like suicide. While the government implements administrative relief, political opposition has criticized the package as inadequate, demanding higher direct compensation, specifically ‘Rs 1 lakh per hectare’ without landholding limits. ## Claims - The Maharashtra government has declared drought conditions in 265 of the state's 358 talukas. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The drought declaration enables 12 specific relief measures for affected citizens and livestock. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The Maharashtra government has begun issuing Government Resolutions (GR) to facilitate aid for farmers. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Deficient monsoon rainfall has caused crop damage in Marathwada, Western Maharashtra, and Vidarbha. (corroborated by 7 sources) - District Collectors must conduct crop loss assessments (panchnamas) using GPS coordinates and geotagged photography. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Examination fees for students from affected farming families will be waived. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Affected crops include soybean, cotton, tur, moong, urad, jowar, and maize. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Rules for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) have been relaxed to increase local employment. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Maharashtra state government is conducting field inspections to assess crop damage and plan relief measures. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Maharashtra declares drought in 265 talukas amid rainfall deficit Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 talukas due to a monsoon rainfall deficit. The government has activated 12 relief measures, including loan restructuring, land revenue waivers, and electricity subsidies. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-declares-drought-in-74-of-state-following-monsoon-deficit ### 2026-09-24: Shiv Sena announces aid for Maharashtra farmers facing drought The Shiv Sena is providing financial aid for weddings of children from drought-hit farming families in Maharashtra and has diverted festival funds to assist those suffering from crop losses. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shiv-sena-announces-aid-for-maharashtra-farmers-facing-drought ### 2026-09-23: Maharashtra officials inspect crop damage in Washim and Nashik Maharashtra officials are assessing significant Kharif crop damage in Washim and Nashik due to drought and irregular rainfall, promising compensation and immediate damage assessments for farmers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-officials-inspect-crop-damage-in-washim-and-nashik ### 2026-09-23: Maharashtra declares drought in 265 talukas, announces relief package Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 talukas due to rainfall deficits. The government announced a 12-point relief package including land revenue waivers, loan restructuring, and electricity bill concessions. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-implements-drought-relief-for-265-talukas ### 2026-09-23: Maharashtra leaders inspect regions facing severe drought threat Maharashtra officials are conducting field inspections in Marathwada and Vidarbha to assess severe crop damage and water shortages caused by El Nino-induced drought. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-leaders-inspect-regions-facing-severe-drought-threat ### 2026-09-20: Maharashtra faces drought relief demands amid crop damage Maharashtra officials and farmers are seeking urgent drought relief and crop compensation following inadequate rainfall, with the state initiating its own relief funds ahead of formal assessments. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maharashtra-faces-drought-relief-demands-amid-crop-damage ### 2026-09-18: Maharashtra farmers face crisis as Sharad Pawar seeks drought declaration Sharad Pawar has called on Maharashtra's Chief Minister to declare a drought and provide financial relief to farmers following a significant monsoon deficit that has devastated Kharif crops. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sharad-pawar-urges-maharashtra-cm-to-declare-drought-and-provide-farmer-relief --- Cite as: Maharashtra drought and agrarian crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maharashtra-drought-and-agrarian-crisis