Maharashtra declares drought in 265 talukas

Maharashtra Government issued a government resolution on Saturday (September 26, 2026), declaring 265 of the 358 talukas in the State as drought-affected, based on the Maharashtra Agriculture Commissioner’s report for the Kharif 2026 season.

The measure covers 74% area of the State, according to the resolution.

The decision follows Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ recent visit to some drought-affected parts of the State.

The resolution covers major parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, North Maharashtra, and Pune division — with 16 taluks in Yavatmal, 15 in Jalgaon, and 14 each in Ahilyanagar, Nagpur, Amravati, and Nanded as worst-hit — and as a special case activated 12 immediate reliefs including land revenue waiver, crop loan restructuring, stay on farm loan recovery, agri-pump electricity bill exemption, school exam fee waiver, MREGS works relaxation, drinking water tankers, ban on pump disconnection, food grain and fodder security, with Collectors ordered to start the panchnama (survey)immediately for separate compensation.

Districts like Dharashiv and Beed have not received rainfall since July, affecting the crops, cattle, and daily water needs of farmers and labourers.

According to State government data, the rainfall for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division was recorded at 424.5 mm, while the normal rainfall expected was 613.1 mm for the period from June 1 to September 18, marking a deficit of 30.8%.

The Pune and Nashik divisions also recorded around a 30% rain deficit, while the Amravati and Nagpur divisions recorded a 27% rain deficit. The Konkan division recorded a 6.3% rain deficit.

Overall, the State recorded an 18.8% rainfall deficit, receiving actual rainfall of 755.9 mm from June to September 18, compared to its average of 932.3 mm, amid the El Niño phenomenon.

At least six districts recorded a rainfall deficit of 40-50% including Amravati, Solapur and Latur.

During the Kharif season, farmers in the State sow crops like soybean, cotton, millet, maize, tur, moong, and urad. Farmers in several districts have complained of crop failure due to lack of rainfall, and the incidence of pests and diseases has also increased to a large extent.

On September 16, farmers in many districts held protests, seeking drought relief measures and compensation for crop loss.

Mr. Fadnavis has announced that crop-damage surveys (panchnamas) and ground verification will be conducted soon.