Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS): Amid drought-like conditions due to scanty rainfall in 19 districts of Maharashtra, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne on Monday announced that the state government will extend all possible assistance to farmers facing acute distress.
He reassured the farming community that the government stands firmly behind them during this challenging period.
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil said officials have been instructed to ensure no farmer affected during the Kharif season is left without government assistance.
He explained that the Revenue and Forest Department (Relief Work) issued revised criteria and procedures for drought assessment aligned with the Union Government’s Revised Drought Management Code, 2016.
The framework uses a three-tier scientific process to evaluate drought severity based on rainfall, vegetation index, area sown, soil moisture, and groundwater levels, while also considering socio-economic factors such as fodder availability, drinking water shortages, demand for employment, and migration patterns.
Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil said 100 per cent drought conditions will be declared across the state, clarifying that while financial relief will be provided, distribution will strictly follow regulatory guidelines.
Minister Bharne, who conducted crop inspection tours, said extensive damage has been reported to soybean, cotton, and sugarcane. He noted that the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers have already declared intent to assist affected farmers.
“The administration is actively coordinating assistance from multiple channels, including the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), state relief packages, and crop insurance payouts. Following a detailed assessment ending September 30, the Chief Minister will hold a comprehensive review meeting by October 5, after which the official financial assistance package will be announced. Delivering prompt relief to farmers remains our utmost priority,” he said.
Minister Jadhav Patil explained that the drought identification process comprises three phases: checking rainfall indicators, assessing severity, and conducting ground verification surveys. Villages where crop damage exceeds 33 per cent will qualify as drought-affected.
The deadline to declare drought for the Kharif season is October 30, while for the Rabi season it is March 31. Local authorities can deploy water tankers immediately if drinking water shortages arise.
According to officials, a State-Level Drought Monitoring Committee operates under the Commissioner (Agriculture), complemented by District-Level Committees led by Collectors.
The Agriculture Minister is conducting review meetings and field visits across revenue divisions to submit recommendations to the Cabinet. The Relief and Rehabilitation Department is executing measures on priority following directions from the Chief Minister.
