Maharashtra Seeks Maximum Central Relief as Drought Assessment Team Reviews Crop Damage
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Mumbai, Oct 11 : A high-level Central inspection team has completed an extensive assessment of drought-hit regions in Maharashtra, as the state government seeks maximum financial assistance from the Union government to address the agrarian crisis.
State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne said on Sunday that Central teams assessed crop damage, drinking water shortages and fodder scarcity in 65 villages across several districts, including Solapur, Ahilyanagar, Marathwada and Vidarbha.
The findings were presented at a high-level review meeting held at the Chief Minister's official residence, 'Varsha'. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and attended by senior cabinet ministers and the Central Drought Inspection Team's leader, Joint Secretary Muktanand Agrawal.
According to the state administration, erratic rainfall associated with El Niño has severely affected agricultural activities and reduced water availability in major reservoirs. Key crops, including cotton, soybean and pigeon pea (tur), have suffered significant damage, raising concerns over the forthcoming Rabi cropping season.
Bharne said the Central delegation had responded positively to the state's preliminary assessment of the drought situation.
Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasised that the state government's immediate priorities were ensuring drinking water supplies and protecting livestock. Authorities have introduced strict water allocation measures at major dams to safeguard drinking water reserves and ensure adequate fodder availability for cattle.
The state government has already submitted a preliminary drought assessment report to the Centre and is preparing a comprehensive final report to seek maximum financial assistance under disaster relief provisions.
The proposed assistance is expected to support drought-affected farmers and rural labourers facing mounting economic hardship due to crop losses, water scarcity and declining agricultural prospects.
