3 hrs ago
Maharashtra Seeks ₹17,500 Crore Centre Aid for Drought Relief
Maharashtra is facing a serious drought, which is making it harder for farmers to grow crops and find food for animals.
The state has asked the central government for ₹17,500 crore to help with damaged crops and fodder.
A central team is expected to visit affected areas next week.
The state has also ordered a 10% cut in water use.
Officials say drinking water for people and livestock should be a priority through August 2027.
So far, 265 of the state’s 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected.
The government is checking crop damage and considering ways to get fodder to cattle while they stay with their owners.
It also plans to provide relief before Diwali and avoid leaving eligible farmers out because of paperwork problems.
Maharashtra submitted an interim request for ₹17,500 crore: ₹13,000 crore for crop damage and ₹4,500 crore for fodder.
A Central team is expected to visit drought-affected talukas next week to assess conditions.
The state announced a 10% water cut and prioritized drinking water for villagers and livestock through August 2027.
A total of 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected; officials say more than 45% of crop-damage assessments are complete.
Collectors in Sangli, Satara and Pune districts must report on whether 10 additional talukas should be declared drought-affected.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government, farmers and livestock owners; the state has requested assistance from the Centre.
- What
- Maharashtra submitted an interim ₹17,500 crore drought-relief proposal and announced a 10% water cut.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including drought-affected talukas and the districts of Sangli, Satara and Pune.
- When
- The proposal was submitted last week; a Central team is expected next week. The government said drinking-water priority would continue through August 2027.
- Why
- To address drought-related crop damage, fodder shortages and water needs, and to provide relief to affected farmers and livestock owners.
Requests for expansion and relief
Assessment before decisions
Adding 10 talukas to drought list
Requests for expansion and relief
Legislators have demanded that 10 additional talukas in Sangli, Satara and Pune districts be declared drought-affected.
Assessment before decisions
The government has sought fact-finding reports from district collectors and says it will decide after reviewing their findings.
Interim assistance proposal
Requests for expansion and relief
Maharashtra has requested ₹17,500 crore for crop damage and fodder while drought conditions persist.
Assessment before decisions
The state describes the request as interim; it says a final proposal will follow completion of the crop-damage survey.
Fodder support approach
Requests for expansion and relief
The government is considering gram-panchayat fodder depots so cattle can remain with their owners instead of moving to fodder camps.
Assessment before decisions
The article reports this as a proposal under consideration, alongside possible large fodder banks, rather than a finalized alternative.
Key facts
- Interim assistance sought
- ₹17,500 crore
- Crop-damage request
- ₹13,000 crore
- Fodder request
- ₹4,500 crore
- Drought-affected talukas
- 265 of 358, about 74%
- Water measure
- 10% cut across urban and rural areas
- Crop assessments completed
- More than 45% of panchnamas
- Crop-damage cost sharing
- Centre: 75%; Maharashtra government: 25%
Quotes
Chandrashekhar Bawankule
Maharashtra Revenue Minister.
“One proposal is to establish fodder depots through gram panchayats, allowing cattle to remain with their owners rather than being shifted to fodder camps.”
deccanchronicle.com
“So far, over 45 per cent of the panchnamas in the state have been completed. Instructions have been issued to expedite the remaining assessments.”
deccanchronicle.com
Unnamed state official
A state official discussing Maharashtra’s interim drought-relief proposal.
“We sought Rs 13,000 crore for agriculture (crop damage) and Rs 4,500 crore for fodder last week. This is an interim proposal. The final proposal seeking financial assistance will be submitted after the survey of crop damage is completed.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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