Poor rain wilts Marathwada crops, drought aid plan likely by October 5

A prolonged gap in rainfall across several parts of Maharashtra has put kharif season crops in trouble. Farmers in Marathwada and Vidarbha in particular are anxiously waiting for rain. Crops such as soyabean, cotton, maize, tur, moong and bajra are already showing the effects of the dry spell. In view of this, the state government is conducting a preliminary assessment of drought-like conditions.

No district or taluka in the state has so far been officially declared drought-hit. However, the rainfall gap, the condition of crops, water availability and fodder stocks are being assessed. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne has already toured Marathwada and other areas. His inspection findings, along with early data from the agriculture department and the relief and rehabilitation department, will form the basis of the proposal to be sent to the central government. Bharne has said that after taking stock of the situation post September 30, a decision is likely by October 5, making the coming days crucial for farmers.

The rainfall gap is reported to have affected kharif crops in all eight districts of Marathwada. According to preliminary estimates, about 25 percent of the standing crop in the region is expected to be lost. Soyabean has suffered the most damage, while the condition of cotton, maize and tur is also described as worrying, agriculture department officials said. At a meeting held in Nanded in the presence of Minister Bharne, the status of crops, water availability and problems related to fodder and livestock were reviewed. Officials have also been directed to conduct crop-cutting experiments accurately and transparently so that affected farmers can receive assistance.

An e-panchnama (digital crop damage survey) process is currently underway in the state, with final figures expected by October 5. A preliminary report before that will record the rainfall shortfall and its impact on crops. The proposal to be sent to the central government is likely to include assistance under NDRF norms, a 25 percent advance payout from crop insurance companies, fodder camps, water tankers and speeding up work under MGNREGA. The proposal is also said to include a demand for waiver of school and college fees and hostel grants for students.

Besides Marathwada, farmers in several areas including Nandgaon taluka of Nashik district are also troubled by a long rainfall gap. Some farmers say crops such as maize, bajra, soyabean, moong, moth and cotton dried up while still at the grain-filling stage. Farmers say that even heavy rain now would make it difficult for some crops to give the expected yield. Fodder currently available for animals will last some time, but if the rainfall gap continues, there is a risk of fodder and water shortage.

The current situation in Marathwada is being compared in some places to the 1972 drought. However, there is a big difference between farming today and conditions then, since the cost of seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, ploughing and spraying has gone up considerably. This raises fears of a greater economic burden on farmers if crops are lost.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jayant Patil has demanded that drought be declared in Maharashtra at the earliest. Citing the drought declaration in Karnataka, he said the Maharashtra government should also take a decision. It is reported that Sharad Pawar wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 18 demanding measures such as concessions for talukas facing drought-like conditions, financial assistance to farmers, loan waivers, crop insurance, employment guarantee scheme work, water tankers, fodder camps and water for livestock.

The report of Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne's tour, data from the agriculture department and early estimates from the relief and rehabilitation department will now be combined to prepare the way forward, after which a relief proposal may be sent to the central government. Farmers across the state are watching closely to see what decision the government takes on the drought-like situation by October 5.