Central Team Evaluates Drought Impact in Marathwada
A government delegation assesses severe crop losses in Maharashtra's Marathwada region amid a significant rainfall deficit.
Marathwada has experienced only 65.35% of its average seasonal rainfall.
Prolonged dry spells have led to severe crop damage and water shortages.
The central team aims to prepare an objective report on drought-related losses.
A central government team, led by Muktanand Agrawal, visited Maharashtra's Marathwada region on Friday to assess the impact of drought on agriculture and rural livelihoods. The delegation inspected affected areas in Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalna districts, where farmers are facing significant crop losses due to prolonged dry spells and dwindling water resources.
The assessment comes as Marathwada has recorded only 65.35% of its average seasonal rainfall, with 37 out of 496 revenue circles experiencing dry spells lasting over 30 days. The divisional commissioner, G Shreekant, reported that groundwater levels in key districts are significantly below the five-year average, exacerbating the region's water crisis. Reservoir storage has also plummeted to just 30.7% of capacity, impacting both agriculture and drinking water supplies.
Farmers in Beed district reported extensive damage to sugarcane, cotton, soybean, and tur crops, with many having to rely on water tankers due to depleted local water sources. The delegation interacted with local farmers, including Vikas Devidas Shinde from Demani village, to gauge the extent of crop losses and the rising costs of cultivation. In Jalna, the team observed the dire conditions of farms and water bodies, highlighting the economic strain on farming communities.
The drought's impact extends beyond agriculture, affecting drinking water availability for around 190 villages and 157 hamlets that depend on water tankers. The Maharashtra government has taken control of 603 wells to address local water needs, but officials warn that stringent conservation measures will be necessary until at least August next year.
As the delegation prepares to compile an objective assessment report for the central government, it aims to verify the information provided by state officials. This report will be crucial in understanding the full extent of drought-related crop losses and the broader implications for the Marathwada region's economy and livelihoods.
