Archive · 2 Oct 2026
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.
Maharashtra declared drought in 265 talukas on September 25, prompting fodder-relief measures but no separate animal-water plan.
Farmers in drought-hit areas say household tankers do not provide enough water for cattle, bulls and goats.
Some farmers and landless labourers are selling livestock at distress prices because feed and water are becoming difficult to secure.
Marathwada had 295 government tankers serving 157 villages, while privately purchased tankers cost Rs 800 to Rs 1,500.
Officials say current fodder supplies may last 76 to 179 days, although water shortages for animals remain unresolved.
- Who
- Farmers and landless labourers in drought-hit Maharashtra, along with state and district authorities.
- What
- Livestock owners are seeking animal shelters and water assistance as some sell cattle and goats because of scarcity.
- When
- The drought was declared on September 25; the reported livestock sales and tanker shortages are ongoing.
- Where
- Drought-hit areas of Maharashtra, especially Marathwada, including Latur, Beed and Dharashiv.
- Why
- Rainfall and water sources have declined, leaving household tanker supplies insufficient for livestock and making animals costly to maintain.
Farmers’ urgent water demand
Officials’ fodder assessment
Immediate relief priority
Farmers’ urgent water demand
Farmers say water for animals is more urgent than fodder and are asking for animal shelters or separate water arrangements.
Officials’ fodder assessment
Officials say current fodder supplies are sufficient for now, so fodder camps are not immediately necessary.
Livestock distress
Farmers’ urgent water demand
Farmers report selling cattle and goats at low prices because they cannot afford or obtain enough water and feed.
Officials’ fodder assessment
Authorities are focusing on crop-loss assessments and say further relief decisions may follow their completion.
Future risk
Farmers’ urgent water demand
Farmers fear they may be forced to sell more livestock as borewells and other water sources dry up.
Officials’ fodder assessment
Officials say fodder scarcity may increase from December but could be delayed or avoided if Rabi crops are successfully sown.
- Drought declaration
- The Maharashtra government declared drought in 265 talukas on September 25.
- Government tankers
- The government was providing 295 tankers to 157 villages across Marathwada as of Wednesday.
- Private tanker cost
- Residents paying for tankers reported costs of Rs 800 to Rs 1,500 each.
- Marathwada livestock
- The region has more than 53.59 lakh livestock, according to the 2024 21st Livestock Census.
- Daily fodder requirement
- Marathwada livestock require more than 24,000 metric tonnes of fodder daily.
- Fodder outlook
- Officials said available fodder could last roughly 76 to 179 days across districts, while another estimate put the state stock at about 130 days.