Maharashtra declares drought in 265 talukas, Fadnavis government's big call

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken a major decision for farmers and the public in Maharashtra. Citing a severe rainfall deficit, a long dry spell and the resulting damage to kharif crops, the state government has declared drought in 265 of the state's 358 talukas by invoking Nikash-1, or Trigger One. This means nearly 75 percent of the state is currently facing a drought crisis.

Over the past few weeks, shortages of water and fodder had been worsening in several areas, particularly in Marathwada, Vidarbha and western Maharashtra. The prolonged break in rainfall has caused heavy damage to major kharif crops such as soybean, cotton and maize. Fadnavis had earlier personally visited drought-affected areas to assess the situation. He had made clear that the government would implement Trigger One under the drought code, and that areas left out in this phase would be considered in the next stage.

Drought is not declared on the basis of rainfall deficit alone; several parameters are taken into account, including the break in rainfall, area sown, vegetation index, soil moisture, groundwater status and actual damage on the ground. Maharashtra's drought assessment is based on central government guidelines.

The state government has announced several measures for drought-affected areas, including arrangements for drinking water, fodder for livestock, availability of foodgrain and direct financial assistance to farmers per hectare. Chief Minister Fadnavis said care would be taken to ensure that the education of farmers' children is not affected, and that measures would also be taken to provide employment in villages.

Meanwhile, panchnama surveys of crop losses and on-the-spot inspections have begun. The state government is preparing to provide immediate assistance to farmers from its own funds without waiting for central assistance. The administration has also been directed to pay special attention to maintaining the availability of water and fodder in drought-affected areas.

In Chapadgaon and surrounding areas of Ahilyanagar district, the situation has turned severe due to the absence of rainfall for the past three months. The erratic rainfall has destroyed the main kharif season crops, causing heavy losses to farmers. Rising expenses and no income have left farmers worried about repaying loans they had taken. One farmer there said in anguished words that if the government does not grant a complete loan waiver, there will be no option left but suicide.

Farmers in the Chapadgaon area are now strongly demanding that an immediate official panchnama be conducted of the farming and crops there, that drought be officially declared across Chapadgaon and the entire surrounding area, and that all agricultural loans of farmers be waived along with substantial financial assistance.