Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Central Team Begins Maharashtra Drought Assessment Visit
A team from the central government has come to Maharashtra to learn how drought is affecting people and farms.
The team will visit several districts and look at damaged crops, drinking water and fodder for animals.
The team is split into three groups so it can inspect more places.
Maharashtra officials told the visitors that many villages and farmers have been affected.
They also raised concerns about water shortages, farmers’ difficulties and possible worker migration.
The state has asked for money to help with crop losses and fodder.
It says the full request may grow after more needs are assessed.
The team is expected to share its findings with the central government.
An 11-member Central inter-ministerial team is assessing drought conditions and crop damage in Maharashtra during a four-day visit scheduled for October 8–11.
Led by Muktanand Agrawal, the team includes officials from several Union ministries and departments, as well as NITI Aayog.
Three groups are scheduled to inspect drought-affected areas in Marathwada, western Maharashtra and Vidarbha, including Beed, Pune, Nagpur and Yavatmal.
The state reported that spot assessments covered 28,039 of 32,927 villages across 265 drought-affected talukas; crop damage was reported over 1,49,26,497 hectares, affecting 1,41,98,406 farmers.
Maharashtra has sought Rs 17,500 crore for crop losses and fodder management, with its overall relief request expected to rise after assessment of other needs.
- Who
- An 11-member Central inter-ministerial team led by Muktanand Agrawal, alongside Maharashtra government officials.
- What
- The team is inspecting drought conditions, crop losses, drinking water availability and fodder needs.
- When
- The visit is scheduled for October 8–11; field inspections were to begin on Friday.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including selected districts in Marathwada, western Maharashtra and Vidarbha.
- Why
- To assess drought-related damage and help the Centre consider the state's relief requirements.
- Team size
- 11 members, divided into three field-assessment groups
- Team leader
- Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Visit period
- October 8–11
- Villages assessed by state
- 28,039 of 32,927 villages across 265 drought-affected talukas
- Reported crop damage
- 1,49,26,497 hectares
- Farmers affected
- 1,41,98,406 farmers, according to the state briefing
- Relief amount sought
- Rs 17,500 crore currently covers crop losses and fodder management; the overall demand may increase
