Maharashtra Government Allocates Rs 5,000 Aid to Drought-Stricken Farmers
In response to severe drought conditions, Maharashtra announces direct financial support for farmers ahead of Diwali.
Over 85% of Maharashtra's talukas are affected by drought, with 305 out of 358 now listed.
Farmers will receive Rs 5,000 directly in their bank accounts as immediate relief.
The government is implementing various drought-relief measures, including loan restructuring and education support.
The Maharashtra government has initiated a financial assistance program for farmers, providing Rs 5,000 each as drought conditions worsen across the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this support ahead of the Diwali festival, emphasizing that funds would be transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts to ensure prompt relief without delays from central assessments.
During a press briefing following a cabinet meeting in Mumbai, Fadnavis revealed that an additional 40 talukas have been added to the drought-affected list, bringing the total to 305. This alarming statistic indicates that more than 85% of the state's talukas are now included in the drought-relief framework, highlighting the extensive impact of the ongoing crisis.
The chief minister also confirmed that all 12 drought-relief measures would be activated in the affected areas. These measures encompass loan restructuring, waivers on land revenue and electricity bills, as well as providing free education for farmers' children. Furthermore, a verified list of approximately 3.5 lakh additional farmers eligible for debt-relief payments has been approved by the state government.
To alleviate financial strain on farmers, the government has cautioned cooperative banks and credit societies against aggressive loan recovery tactics. It is also urging private banks and financial institutions to adopt a similar approach when dealing with borrowers impacted by the drought. Additionally, measures to tackle drinking-water shortages, particularly in the Marathwada region, have been intensified, with authorities disconnecting nearly 16,000 illegal water connections to safeguard water availability.
As part of its broader response, the government is monitoring fodder supplies in drought-affected areas, where reserves vary significantly. Fadnavis announced that harvested fodder from suitable regions would be procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to support farmers and maintain livestock supplies. The Rs 5,000 payment is intended to provide immediate relief for farmers facing crop losses, with further measures anticipated to address the long-term effects of the drought across Maharashtra.
