Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Drought Devastates Yavatmal Farms as Farmers Sell Livestock
Rainfall was too low and uneven in many parts of Maharashtra.
The state declared 265 of its 358 talukas drought-hit.
In Yavatmal, farmers say their cotton, soybean and tur crops have produced much less than usual.
Some have sold cattle because they cannot find enough water or fodder.
Many families are worried about loans, school fees and how they will earn money.
Some expect to look for daily-wage or construction work.
Officials are checking crop damage and water shortages.
A team from the central government is visiting to assess the situation.
Maharashtra’s chief minister has asked the central government for more drought assistance.
Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas after deficient and erratic monsoon rainfall.
All 16 talukas in Yavatmal district, including Kalamb, are classified under Trigger-1 drought conditions.
Farmers report sharply reduced cotton, soybean and tur yields, overdue loans and livestock sales to cope with scarce fodder and water.
A Central inter-ministerial team is assessing crop damage and water scarcity from October 8 to 11, 2026.
The state has announced drought measures, while officials conduct crop-damage assessments and the chief minister seeks NDRF assistance.
- Who
- Farmers in drought-hit Maharashtra, including Yavatmal district; state and central government officials are assessing the situation.
- What
- Drought has damaged crops and worsened water and fodder shortages, prompting relief measures and damage assessments.
- When
- The state declared drought in September 2026; the Central assessment team is scheduled to visit October 8–11, 2026.
- Where
- Maharashtra, particularly Yavatmal district in the Vidarbha region and Kalamb taluka.
- Why
- Deficient and erratic monsoon rainfall has caused dry conditions, crop stress and water scarcity.
Farmers’ concerns
Government response
Whether announced support will meet farmers’ needs
Farmers’ concerns
Farmers describe steep crop losses, overdue loans, sold livestock and difficulty paying household or education costs; one farmer questioned whether government aid would be enough.
Government response
The state says drought relief measures have been announced, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought maximum NDRF assistance; a central team is assessing the situation.
Assessing drought impacts beyond the initial list
Farmers’ concerns
Farmers say dry spells and water shortages have damaged crops, and some areas may be affected even if they did not meet standard drought criteria.
Government response
Fadnavis said areas outside the initial drought list could also be considered for relief, while officials conduct crop-damage assessments.
- Drought-hit talukas
- 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas
- Yavatmal classification
- All 16 talukas, including Kalamb, are under Trigger-1
- Trigger-1 rainfall threshold
- Monsoon rainfall 20–40% below normal, alongside early crop stress indicators
- Trigger-1 concessions
- The category activates 12 standard relief concessions, including water, fodder and loan-related measures
- Central assessment
- Inter-ministerial team visit scheduled for October 8–11, 2026
- Assessment lead
- Muktanand Agrawal, Agriculture Department Joint Secretary
- State relief request
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sought maximum assistance through the National Disaster Response Fund