Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday visited drought-affected areas of Latur and Dharashiv in Marathwada and assured farmers that the state government would provide support as the region faces severe water shortages, crop losses and fodder scarcity.
Fadnavis visited Jau village in Nilanga tehsil of Latur, where he inspected fields with damaged soybean crops and dried-up wells. He also met farmers and heard about the difficulties they are facing after prolonged dry spells.
Farmers told the chief minister that crops which had initially sprouted were later destroyed because of the lack of rainfall. One elderly farmer said the current situation was worse than the drought of 1972 because the region was now facing shortages of both food and water. According to the farmer, the area had not received rain for around 52 days.
A woman farmer also raised concerns about the cost of educating children, saying that while families could somehow manage food expenses, education costs had become a major burden.
Fadnavis acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, saying Latur and Dharashiv had received only around half of their normal rainfall. He said soybean farmers had suffered substantial losses and warned that drinking water and fodder shortages could become more serious.
The chief minister said the government had ordered the preparation of panchnamas, or damage assessment reports, to determine the extent of crop losses. He said relief would be provided after the assessment and that assistance would cover both kharif and rabi crops.
Fadnavis also said the government was planning drinking-water supplies to ensure that available stocks last until next June. He attributed the difficult weather conditions partly to the impact of a “Super El Niño” and said officials had been instructed to issue the first government order on drought relief by Saturday.
According to a crop situation report presented before the Maharashtra cabinet, the state received 80.82% of its average rainfall between June 1 and September 21. Several districts recorded significantly lower rainfall. Solapur received only 48.65% of its average rainfall, while Latur, Dharashiv, Beed, Parbhani, Amravati, Akola and Washim recorded rainfall between 50% and 65% of normal.
The rainfall deficit has already affected kharif crops. The government report estimates significant potential losses in soybean, moong, urad, cotton and other crops across several districts.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other ministers were also scheduled to visit drought-affected districts to assess the situation and meet farmers.
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