Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Talukas
The Maharashtra government has declared 265 of the state’s 358 talukas drought-affected after a prolonged rainfall deficit damaged crops and increased water stress across large parts of the state.
Maharashtra Drought Covers 74% of State
The drought declaration covers around 74% of Maharashtra’s talukas and follows a government assessment of deficient rainfall during the 2026 monsoon season.
Several parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha and western Maharashtra have experienced significant rainfall shortfalls. Districts including Dharashiv, Latur, Solapur and Amravati have reported particularly severe deficits, with some areas recording shortages of up to around 50%.
The drought has affected both agricultural production and local water availability, putting additional pressure on rural households and livestock.
Kharif Crops Hit by Rainfall Deficit
Major kharif crops including soybean, cotton, maize, millet, tur, moong and urad have suffered losses because of inadequate rainfall during critical growing periods.
The state government has activated drought-relief measures under its existing management framework. These include restructuring agricultural loans, concessions on land revenue, relief on electricity bills for farm pumps and postponement of certain loan recoveries.
Authorities are also carrying out crop-loss assessments to determine the scale of damage in affected districts.
Maharashtra Announces Drought Relief Measures
The government plans to expand drinking-water supply arrangements, fodder availability, rural employment programmes and other support measures in areas facing severe shortages.
The declaration follows field visits and assessments by senior state officials as concerns over crop losses and declining water availability intensified.
Maharashtra has also recorded lower reservoir storage compared with the same period last year, adding to concerns over water availability if rainfall remains weak.
