Maharashtra Declares 305 Talukas Drought-Hit, Announces Relief Measures for Farmers
Maharashtra has expanded its drought-hit list to 305 talukas, covering nearly 85% of the state. The government has announced crop assistance, livestock fodder support, employment payments and 12 relief measures for affected communities.
Under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) guidelines, all talukas in the district will receive assistance. Farmers will be provided financial aid of Rs 8,500 per hectare for crop losses, with the benefit limited to a maximum of two hectares. Even if a farmer owns more than two hectares of land, the assistance will remain capped at the amount applicable to two hectares.
In addition to crop-related assistance, the government will provide Rs 80 per animal for a period of two months to help farmers arrange fodder for their livestock. The government will also support rural residents in drought-affected areas by ensuring employment under the VB-G RAM G scheme, with payments at the rate of Rs 150.
The drought situation in Maharashtra has also remained serious. In September 2026, the state government initially declared 265 talukas drought-affected. In October, another 40 talukas were added to the list, taking the total to 305 out of the state's 358 talukas. This accounts for approximately 85% of all talukas in Maharashtra.
The affected talukas are spread mainly across Marathwada, Vidarbha, Nashik, Solapur, Latur, Beed, Buldhana, Amravati, Yavatmal, Nagpur and Chandrapur districts. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division has been the worst affected, with significantly below-normal rainfall.
As part of its relief package, the state government has announced advance financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for farmers in drought-hit areas before Diwali. The amount will be transferred directly to their bank accounts.
The government has also introduced 12 relief measures to ease the impact of the drought. These include concessions in land revenue, restructuring of crop loans, a suspension of agricultural loan recovery, concessions on electricity bills for agricultural pumps, waivers of examination fees for students, and arrangements for water tankers and fodder.
However, the final compensation amount will be determined after an assessment of crop losses. With 305 talukas now classified as drought-affected, the assistance measures are intended to address immediate agricultural and rural livelihood needs while the government determines the compensation payable for the damage.

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