Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Fadnavis Calls Latur, Dharashiv Drought Crisis Extremely Serious
Latur and Dharashiv received only about half as much rain as usual.
This hurt many crops, especially soybean.
Some soybean plants looked green, but their pods did not develop properly.
Less rain also lowered groundwater and dried up rivers, streams, wells and other water sources.
This could make drinking water and animal fodder harder to find.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited farmers and said the government would help them.
The state plans to provide money, water, fodder and support for growing winter crops.
It will start helping farmers before receiving possible central funds.
Some farmers asked for Rs 1 lakh for each hectare of damaged land.
Latur and Dharashiv received about half their normal rainfall, severely damaging crops, especially soybean.
Falling groundwater levels and depleted rivers, streams, reservoirs and wells are raising concerns about drinking water and livestock fodder.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised comprehensive relief, including water, fodder, financial assistance and support for rabi cultivation.
The state plans to issue a Government Resolution before Saturday and begin assistance from its own treasury while seeking central funds.
Farmers in Dharashiv’s Karajkheda village demanded compensation of Rs 1 lakh per hectare.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, affected farmers and villagers, and the Maharashtra government.
- What
- A drought-like crisis has damaged crops and threatened drinking-water and fodder supplies in Latur and Dharashiv.
- When
- The situation was discussed during Fadnavis’s visits on September 23; a Government Resolution was expected before Saturday.
- Where
- Latur and Dharashiv districts in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, including Nilanga tehsil and Karajkheda village.
- Why
- The districts received about 50 per cent of normal rainfall, reducing crop yields, groundwater and water stored in reservoirs and wells.
Government Assurances
Farmers’ Demands and Concerns
Relief and compensation
Government Assurances
Fadnavis said the state would provide comprehensive assistance, arrange water and fodder, support rabi cultivation and begin relief without waiting for central funds.
Farmers’ Demands and Concerns
Farmers described crop losses and financial hardship, while Karajkheda villagers demanded Rs 1 lakh per hectare.
Water-grid project
Government Assurances
Fadnavis alleged that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government abandoned the water-grid plan and diverted funds that could have been used for it; he said his government’s priority was bringing water to Marathwada.
Farmers’ Demands and Concerns
The reports provide no response from the Maha Vikas Aghadi to that allegation, while farmers continued seeking improved water access.
- Rainfall deficit
- Latur and Dharashiv received about 50 per cent of normal rainfall this year.
- Most affected crop
- Soybean was particularly damaged; some plants failed to develop pods despite appearing green.
- Water conditions
- Groundwater levels declined, while rivers, streams, reservoirs and wells were affected.
- Planned relief
- The state promised comprehensive assistance, including drinking water, livestock fodder, direct financial help and rabi-season support.
- Government Resolution
- The government said it would issue a drought-related resolution before Saturday.
- Funding
- The state said it would begin assistance from its own treasury while seeking central funds under NDRF norms.
- Farmers’ demand
- Farmers in Karajkheda requested Rs 1 lakh per hectare in compensation.
