Maharashtra Faces Drought Crisis as Monsoon Delays Impact Kharif Crops

Maharashtra is grappling with a severe drought crisis as the monsoon takes an extended break, jeopardizing Kharif crops across multiple districts. During a recent Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed concern but did not announce immediate relief measures. The government is preparing to conduct official crop damage assessments after October 5, which are crucial for financial aid eligibility. Reports indicate significant dry spells affecting 18-19 districts, particularly in Marathwada and Vidarbha. Opposition leaders are demanding urgent action, including a drought declaration and emergency relief packages. As the situation develops, the government is drafting plans to assist farmers and manage water resources effectively.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 11:55 IST

Severe Drought Conditions in Maharashtra

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Mumbai, Sep 16: The prolonged absence of monsoon rains has led to a critical situation for Kharif crops in Maharashtra, pushing numerous districts towards drought conditions.

During a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other ministers expressed significant concern regarding the ongoing crisis. While no immediate relief measures were announced, CM Fadnavis directed state officials to maintain a heightened state of readiness.

The government clarified that a formal declaration of drought cannot be made at this time. According to the guidelines of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and Central Drought Management protocols, official assessments of crop damage (Panchnamas) and ground verification must occur after October 5 to qualify for financial assistance. Conducting these surveys prematurely could disqualify farmers from receiving central aid. The administration is currently compiling a detailed list of relief initiatives for farmers, with officials instructed to coordinate effectively, as indicated by sources from the agriculture department.

The Cabinet reviewed reports indicating severe dry spells lasting from 20 to over 40 days across 18-19 districts, particularly affecting Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Western Maharashtra.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and the Chief Minister have instructed all District Collectors and field officials to remain vigilant and prepare initial relief proposals. Local administrations in the affected areas, especially in Marathwada, have been directed to prioritize the conservation of existing dam water supplies strictly for drinking purposes to avert potential water shortages in both urban and rural areas.

While awaiting the official survey window on October 5, the government is preparing emergency relief plans, assessing the availability of fodder for livestock, and advising agricultural departments to assist farmers with protective irrigation for the remaining Kharif crops.

According to the state agriculture department's report on crop conditions, Beed has seen 37.21% of its sown area affected, Jalna 27.83%, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 7.06%.

In Latur, Dharashiv, and Parbhani, crops such as soybean, green gram (moong), black gram (udid), and cotton on lighter soils are wilting.

A widespread outbreak of the Yellow Mosaic virus has also been reported in soybean crops. Extended dry spells in rain-fed areas of Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ahilyanagar in Western Maharashtra have severely stressed moong, udid, soybean, maize, and bajra crops, with expected yield reductions of 20 to 25%.

In the Vidarbha region, soybean and cotton crops are at significant risk, with several talukas in Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, and Washim experiencing a 2 to 3-week period without rain.

Soybeans on lighter soils have withered, and farmers with irrigation capabilities are utilizing protective watering to salvage their crops. Delays in paddy transplantation have been noted in parts of Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli due to insufficient rainfall. In North Maharashtra, areas like Nandurbar and certain talukas of Nashik are witnessing stunted growth in maize, cotton, and other crops due to the lack of rain.

However, recent rainfall in parts of Dhule and Jalgaon has provided some relief to Kharif crops, although Nandurbar has only received 46.6% of its average rainfall.

Severe rainfall deficits have been reported in Solapur, Kolhapur, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Parbhani, Hingoli, Akola, Washim, Amravati, Wardha, Nagpur, and Chandrapur.

In response, opposition leaders, including Vijay Wadettiwar and Solapur MP Praniti Shinde from the Congress, along with Shiv Sena(UBT) representatives, have called for an immediate drought declaration in the affected districts. They emphasized that 19 districts and over 83 tehsils are facing significant rainfall deficits and impending shortages of fodder and water.

The opposition has urged the state government to implement an emergency relief package, waive crop loans, and establish fodder camps and tanker water supplies without delay.

Mahayuti coalition leaders, including NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, have also reached out to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting a drought declaration for the severely impacted Marathwada region.