Maharashtra begins crop assessments after declaring 265 talukas drought-hit

The Maharashtra government has begun preparing crop inspection reports after declaring 265 of the State’s 358 talukas drought-affected, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday. The declaration covered about 74% of the State’s talukas and followed a rainfall deficit. The government has announced relief measures including crop-loan restructuring, land-revenue concessions and power-bill subsidies.

Mr. Fadnavis said the administration would provide appropriate assistance after completing the crop assessments. He said complaints about the exclusion of some talukas were few, but losses in those areas would also be examined.

The Chief Minister said cultivators affected by crop loss would be included under “Trigger Three” and reiterated that no farmer would be left out. He added that 12 emergency measures had been approved and that orders had been issued for their implementation at the first trigger. Mr.

Fadnavis also discussed the management of available water. He said every district should prepare a water plan and assess whether its reserves could last through July and August 2027. Where reservoirs held more water than required, he said the surplus could be considered for Rabi crops or industry.

He argued that decisions should be based on conditions in each district and taluka rather than applied uniformly across the State. On the weather outlook, Mr. Fadnavis said El Niño was expected to peak next February before weakening as the Pacific Ocean cooled.

He said the State should prepare for possible difficulties if the pattern intensified.