Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Completes Crop Damage Assessments on 65.26 Lakh Hectares
Many farmers in Maharashtra are facing drought-related crop damage.
Officials have checked crops across 65.26 lakh hectares so far.
That is about 45% of the land under cultivation in the 265 areas declared drought-hit.
The government wants to finish the remaining checks by October 12.
It says this will help get financial aid to farmers before Diwali.
Officials also asked banks not to pressure farmers to repay loans during the drought.
The state is planning to keep extra water in reserve.
A Central team is expected to visit several parts of Maharashtra to assess the situation.
Crop damage assessments have covered 65.26 lakh hectares, about 45% of the 1.49 crore hectares under cultivation in 265 drought-hit talukas.
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil said the remaining panchnamas are to be completed by October 12.
The government is speeding up assessments so financial assistance can reach affected farmers before Diwali.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule called for transparent crop insurance and directed banks not to repeatedly request documents from farmers who already received crop loans.
The state plans an extra 10% water buffer, while a Central team is expected to assess drought conditions in Maharashtra on October 10 or 12.
- Who
- Maharashtra farmers and state officials, including Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
- What
- Crop damage assessments are underway, with aid, crop insurance, loan recovery practices and water reserves also under review.
- When
- The update was given on Tuesday; remaining panchnamas are to be completed by October 12, and the Central team's visit is expected on October 10 or 12.
- Where
- Across 265 drought-hit talukas in Maharashtra.
- Why
- To assess drought-related crop losses and enable financial assistance to reach affected farmers before Diwali.
- Assessed area
- 65.26 lakh hectares
- Share assessed
- 45% of 1.49 crore hectares under cultivation
- Drought-hit talukas
- 265
- Panchnama deadline
- October 12
- Crop loans disbursed
- 8%, according to Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule
- Additional water reserve
- 10% buffer above the reserve for drinking purposes
- Expected Central team visit
- October 10 or 12
- Water planning horizon
- Drinking water availability planned through August 31, 2027