Maharashtra Declares Drought Across 75% of State Following Severe Rain Deficit

Public Lokpal
September 27, 2026

Maharashtra has officially declared a drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, bringing nearly three-fourths of the state under administrative scarcity measures for the kharif season.

The move follows prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall that severely damaged critical crops like soybean and cotton, heavily impacting regions such as Marathwada, Vidarbha, and North Maharashtra.

To alleviate widespread rural distress, the government has triggered comprehensive relief measures.

These include the restructuring of crop loans, a temporary stay on agricultural loan recoveries, land revenue waivers, and a strict halt on power disconnections for farm pumps.

Additionally, the state has authorized the deployment of emergency water tankers, secured fodder distribution, and expanded rural employment scheme targets for local water-conservation works.

District authorities are currently conducting rapid, GPS-verified crop-loss assessments to ensure prompt financial compensation reaches affected farming households.