Maharashtra drought and agricultural crisis

A severe drought is impacting 20 districts in Maharashtra, India, specifically within the Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Central Maharashtra regions. Rainfall in some areas has fallen at least 20 percent below normal, with the Marathwada region recording only 424.5 mm against a seasonal average of 679.5 mm. This lack of precipitation has depleted water sources and affected at least 25 percent of standing crops in eight districts of Marathwada.

The crisis has triggered rural migration as landless laborers and small farmers move to cities in search of employment, a movement that risks the exploitation of workers and disrupts access to healthcare, nutrition, and education. The situation has also drawn political scrutiny; footage emerged appearing to show officials consuming snacks or using mobile phones during government review meetings, leading to public questions regarding the administration’s commitment to addressing the farmers' distress.

In response to the worsening conditions, the Maharashtra government has officially declared drought in 265 talukas, covering approximately 75 percent of the state’s 358 talukas. Following the activation of ‘Trigger-1’ drought protocols, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a relief package. Measures include land revenue exemptions, restructuring of crop loans, a moratorium on agricultural debt recovery, and electricity bill concessions for agricultural pumps. The government also plans to provide drinking water via tankers, ensure food grain and fodder availability, relax employment guarantee scheme rules to increase local work, and exempt students in affected areas from examination fees.