Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Drought Damages Soybean Crops as Farmers Fear Losses
Many parts of Maharashtra have had a long time without rain.
The lack of water is damaging crops, especially soybeans.
In Yevta village, farmer Sheikh Rashid said his four-acre crop is drying up.
The state has declared 265 tehsils drought-affected.
Government officials are checking fields to estimate the damage.
The India Meteorological Department has announced that the monsoon has withdrawn from most of Maharashtra.
A political party warned that the dry conditions could become a very long drought.
Farmers are worried about losing their harvest and income.
Maharashtra has declared 265 tehsils drought-affected, including all seven tehsils in Akola district.
A prolonged break in rainfall has left soybean crops drying in affected areas.
Yevta farmer Sheikh Rashid said his four-acre soybean crop is close to being destroyed.
The Revenue Department is assessing crop damage and inspecting fields.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) warned in its Saamana editorial of a severe drought lasting nine to ten months.
- Who
- Farmers in drought-affected parts of Maharashtra, including Sheikh Rashid in Yevta village.
- What
- A prolonged rainfall gap is damaging crops, particularly soybeans; the state is assessing crop losses.
- When
- After a prolonged break in rainfall; the India Meteorological Department has announced monsoon withdrawal from most of Maharashtra.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including Yevta village in Beed district and affected areas across Marathwada, Vidarbha and Central Maharashtra.
- Why
- A shortage of rainfall and water has left crops dry and threatened the expected harvest.
Opposition and Farmers
State Government Response
Severity and duration of the drought
Opposition and Farmers
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), in an editorial, warned that Maharashtra faced an unprecedented severe drought lasting nine to ten months, and said crops and farmers' hopes had been badly hit.
State Government Response
The state government has declared 265 tehsils drought-affected, while the Revenue Department is assessing crop damage; the article does not report a government response to the party's forecast.
Support for affected farmers
Opposition and Farmers
Farmers described substantial losses and anxiety about their livelihoods. Rashid said ministers had visited fields and understood farmers' problems.
State Government Response
The article says the government is inspecting fields to evaluate the impact, but does not specify what assistance will be provided.
- Drought declaration
- 265 tehsils declared drought-affected
- Akola district
- All seven tehsils declared drought-affected
- Reported crop impact
- Soybean crops are particularly affected by the water shortage
- Yevta farmer
- Sheikh Rashid said his four-acre soybean crop was drying up
- Damage assessment
- The Revenue Department is inspecting fields and assessing crop damage
- Rainfall deficit
- Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) said more than 20 of Maharashtra's 36 districts recorded an unprecedented rainfall deficit this season
- Monsoon
- The India Meteorological Department announced withdrawal from most parts of Maharashtra