Maharashtra Drought Crisis: Shinde Meets PM Modi, Centre Assures Support for Farmers

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the severe drought conditions gripping the state. The hour-long meeting focused on the challenges facing farmers, including water availability, agricultural conditions, and the availability of fodder for livestock. According to Shinde, the Centre has assured full support to the state in tackling the crisis.

The meeting comes amid reports of acute water scarcity and crop failure in several parts of Maharashtra, with farmers struggling to sustain their livelihoods. The state government has been pressing for central assistance to mitigate the impact of the drought. Official figures indicate that over 10,000 villages have been affected, with crop losses running into thousands of crores. The Prime Minister's assurance is seen as a crucial lifeline for the state's agrarian community.

The discussions also touched upon long-term measures to improve drought resilience, including water conservation and irrigation projects. The Centre's support is expected to translate into immediate relief packages and compensation for affected farmers. Political observers note that the meeting underscores the importance of cooperative federalism in addressing natural disasters. Further details on the relief package are awaited, with the state government expected to submit a detailed memorandum to the Centre in the coming days.