Maharashtra Drought Crisis: 74% of State Declared Drought-Affected as Fadnavis Orders Mandal-Level Crop Damage Assessment

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on [date] that the state government will conduct crop-loss assessments at the mandal level to determine financial assistance for farmers, as 265 of Maharashtra's 358 talukas—approximately 74% of the state—have been declared drought-affected. The decision aims to ensure that farmers outside the official drought list also receive compensation for crop losses.

The drought declaration covers a vast majority of the state, reflecting the severity of the agricultural crisis. Fadnavis stated that the assessment will be carried out at the mandal level to provide accurate and timely relief. The government has emphasized that financial assistance will be directly linked to the extent of crop damage, with a commitment to cover losses even in areas not formally listed as drought-affected.

The move is expected to bring relief to thousands of farmers across Maharashtra, but challenges remain in ensuring swift disbursement and accurate assessment. Farmer groups have welcomed the announcement but are pressing for immediate action. The government's next steps will involve coordinating with district administrations to expedite the assessment process and finalize compensation packages, as the state grapples with one of its worst agricultural crises in recent years.