Sharad Pawar Urges Maharashtra to Declare State-Wide Drought

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Sharad Pawar has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to immediately declare a state-wide drought and provide a comprehensive relief package for farmers. In a letter to the Chief Minister, Pawar reported that 31 of the state's 36 districts recorded rainfall deficits, with some areas facing shortages of up to 60%. He specifically highlighted severe deficits in Marathwada and Vidarbha, noting that pest infestations and deficient rain have withered crops such as soybean and cotton.

Pawar's demands include financial aid of Rs 50,000 per hectare for farmers, Rs 25,000 for landless laborers, immediate farm loan waivers, and the retroactive implementation of a Re 1 crop insurance scheme. He also requested the deployment of water tankers, fodder camps, and educational fee waivers for students in affected regions.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded that the government is treating the situation seriously and has discussed assistance during Cabinet meetings. While the Government of Maharashtra clarified that a formal drought declaration cannot occur until after October 5 due to National Disaster Response Fund guidelines requiring official crop-damage surveys, Fadnavis stated that the state will provide relief from its own resources while seeking additional central aid. He added that loan waiver schemes are already underway and the government is planning measures for drinking water and fodder provision.