Pune, 26th September 2026: The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 talukas following a prolonged rainfall deficit and dry spells that have affected Kharif crops across several regions.
The assessment was carried out under ‘Trigger-1’ of the Drought Management Code, the initial weather-based stage used to identify areas facing drought-like conditions.
It primarily considers factors such as a significant rainfall deficit, prolonged dry spells and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which indicates unusually dry conditions.
Several parts of Maharashtra have experienced long breaks in rainfall during the monsoon, affecting crops including soybean, cotton, maize, jowar and paddy.
The Trigger-1 assessment helps authorities identify areas where inadequate rainfall and prolonged dry conditions are creating stress for agriculture. Based on the assessment, the government can initiate drought-related measures and further examine the situation through subsequent stages.
The government is preparing measures for drought-affected areas, including:
Financial assistance to affected farmers
Measures to address fodder shortages
Drinking water arrangements
Foodgrain assistance
Support for Rabi crops
Chief Minister Fadnavis said areas left out of the initial drought notification could be considered in subsequent triggers if they meet the required criteria. This means more areas could be brought under drought measures after further assessment.
The government has said it will try to provide relief to affected farmers before Diwali, following completion of the damage assessment and related procedures.
