Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Drought Relief May Reach Farmers After Diwali Surveys Continue
Some farmers in Maharashtra have received too little rain for their crops.
The worst-affected areas include Marathwada, parts of Vidarbha and other drought-prone districts.
Crops such as soybean, cotton, tur, moong and urad have been damaged.
Government officials are checking fields to measure the losses.
This checking process is called a crop damage assessment or panchnama.
Officials will decide how much money to provide after the kharif season ends on October 31.
Because of this process, farmers may receive help only after Diwali.
More rain in late September and early October could help farmers grow rabi crops and refill water sources.
Crop damage surveys are underway in rainfall-deficit areas of Maharashtra.
Marathwada, parts of Vidarbha and central drought-prone districts reported prolonged dry spells.
Soybean, cotton, tur, moong and urad crops have been particularly affected.
The relief package will be decided after the kharif season ends on October 31.
Late monsoon rain will influence rabi sowing, water storage and potential summer shortages.
- Who
- Farmers in rainfall-deficit areas of Maharashtra, along with state Agriculture, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, and Water Resources officials.
- What
- The government is assessing crop damage before deciding and releasing drought-related financial assistance.
- When
- Assessments are underway; the kharif season ends on October 31, and assistance may arrive after Diwali.
- Where
- Marathwada, parts of Vidarbha and drought-prone areas of Maharashtra’s middle districts.
- Why
- Prolonged monsoon dry spells have damaged kharif crops and created concerns about rabi sowing, water storage and summer shortages.
- Affected crops
- Soybean, cotton, tur, moong and urad
- Affected regions
- Marathwada, parts of Vidarbha and drought-prone middle districts of Maharashtra
- Assessment process
- Officials will conduct crop damage assessments, or panchnamas, across affected areas
- Kharif season end
- October 31
- Expected relief timing
- Financial assistance may reach farmers after Diwali
- Additional funding
- The state government is expected to seek financial assistance from the Centre
- Monitoring priorities
- Rainfall, crop conditions, water storage, drinking water and fodder