Maharashtra Farmers Sell Livestock as Drought Leaves Animals Thirsty

Many parts of Maharashtra are facing a serious drought.

People can get some tanker water for their homes, but their animals usually cannot get enough.

Farmers need large amounts of water every day for cattle, bulls and goats.

Some farmers are therefore taking animals to market and selling them, often for less than they paid.

One farmer, Sangeeta Gaikwad, is trying to sell two goats because the borewell she used is drying up.

Another farmer says his cattle need about 1,000 litres of water each day.

Officials say there is still enough fodder, or animal food, for now.

However, farmers say water is the more urgent problem.

They want the government to create animal shelters where livestock can receive water and care.