Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Maharashtra to Decide Drought Aid After Crop Damage Assessment
Maharashtra is checking how much farmers’ crops have been damaged.
The government says it will decide how much money farmers should receive after this checking is finished.
Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule visited a village in Nanded district to review the damage.
He told officials to make careful and fair reports.
These reports will help decide support from disaster-relief funds and crop insurance.
The government does not want to give the same amount to everyone without knowing their losses.
Officials have been told to finish the reports soon.
The government hopes farmers receive help before Diwali and wants to reduce the risk of farmer suicides.
Maharashtra will decide financial assistance for drought-hit farmers after crop damage assessments and a final report.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule ordered accurate and objective assessments during an inspection in Nanded district.
Officials will assess losses for potential support through NDRF, SDRF and crop insurance schemes.
The government aims to complete panchnamas within days and provide assistance before Diwali.
Leave for employees in 11 departments was cancelled, while two remaining Nanded talukas will be added to the drought-affected list.
- Who
- Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, state officials and drought-affected farmers.
- What
- The state is assessing crop damage before deciding financial assistance and relief support.
- When
- The statement was made on Monday; assessments and panchnamas are expected to be completed within the next few days, with aid targeted before Diwali.
- Where
- Ardhapur village and other affected areas in Nanded district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To determine eligible assistance accurately through disaster-relief funds and crop insurance schemes, while avoiding unfair or insufficient support.
Immediate Blanket Assistance
Assessment-Based Assistance
Timing of relief
Immediate Blanket Assistance
Assistance should be announced immediately so affected farmers receive support without waiting for surveys.
Assessment-Based Assistance
Chandrashekhar Bawankule said assistance should follow a detailed assessment because immediate blanket aid could leave some farmers deprived of the support they are entitled to.
Distribution method
Immediate Blanket Assistance
A broad payment could quickly reach farmers facing serious crop damage and stress in the Rabi season.
Assessment-Based Assistance
The government favors crop-specific and farmer-specific assessments to determine eligible support through relief funds and crop insurance schemes.
- Decision basis
- The government will decide financial assistance after crop damage assessments and receipt of the final report.
- Assessment requirement
- Officials were directed to conduct accurate and objective crop-loss assessments.
- Potential support
- Relief may be provided through the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and crop insurance schemes.
- Aid target
- The government is seeking to provide assistance before Diwali.
- Administrative action
- Leave was cancelled for employees in 11 departments involved in drought management.
- Assessment timeline
- Panchnamas are expected to be completed across Maharashtra within the next few days.
- Nanded update
- The remaining two talukas in Nanded district will be included in the drought-affected list.