Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a significant relief package of ₹7,500 crore aimed at assisting farmers impacted by drought conditions in the state. Each of the approximately 1.5 crore farmers is set to receive an advance payment of ₹5,000. This decision was reportedly made during a Cabinet meeting, as confirmed by news agency ANI on Tuesday.

The chief minister has emphasised the importance of ensuring that banks do not deduct any amount from these relief payments, allowing eligible farmers to receive the full assistance intended for them. Fadnavis has instructed officials to provide clear directives to banks to prevent any deductions from the funds allocated for the advance drought relief.

This initiative comes as many regions in Maharashtra are currently facing drought-like conditions, leading to concerns about crop losses, water scarcity, and financial strain on farmers. The state government has declared 305 talukas as drought-affected, an increase from the previous count of 265, highlighting the severity of the situation.

During a press conference held in Mumbai, Fadnavis stated that the government is committed to providing timely assistance to farmers experiencing crop losses and financial difficulties. He noted that the relief process has been expedited compared to previous years, reflecting the government’s urgency in addressing the crisis.

Statements by CM Fadnavis

In a recent address to reporters in Wardha, Fadnavis defended the ₹5,000 relief payment, asserting that while it may not fully compensate for the farmers’ losses, it serves as immediate support during a challenging time. He highlighted that this is the first instance of advance financial assistance being provided to farmers in Maharashtra before December, a significant step in the state’s approach to drought relief.

Fadnavis pointed out that previously, farmers with small landholdings received only ₹1,000, whereas the new arrangement guarantees that every eligible farmer will receive at least ₹5,000, with additional compensation to follow. He contrasted Maharashtra’s assistance with that of neighbouring Karnataka, which reportedly provided only ₹2,500 to its farmers despite facing severe drought conditions.

While acknowledging that ₹5,000 cannot fully address the hardships faced by farmers, Fadnavis expressed hope that it would provide some relief. He also responded to criticism from opposition leaders regarding the amount of assistance, referencing the government’s Ladki Bahin scheme, which offers ₹1,500 to women beneficiaries. He remarked that those who criticise the assistance may not fully understand its significance for farmers in distress.

Maharashtra’s Current Drought Situation

The drought situation in Maharashtra has reached alarming levels, with widespread rainfall deficits reported across the state. The government has declared drought conditions in 305 out of 358 talukas, underscoring the extensive impact of the current weather patterns. The overall monsoon rainfall deficit stands at approximately 18 per cent, although this figure varies significantly across different regions.

Specific areas have reported severe deficits, with Solapur experiencing a shortfall of 57 per cent, followed by Beed at 49 per cent, Hingoli at 48 per cent, Jalna at 46 per cent, and Dharashiv at 45 per cent. These figures illustrate the varying degrees of drought impact within the state, raising concerns about agricultural sustainability and the livelihoods of farmers. The government’s proactive measures aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by those affected by the ongoing drought conditions.

As the situation develops, the state government remains focused on implementing effective relief measures to support farmers and mitigate the adverse effects of the drought. The commitment to ensuring that financial assistance reaches those in need is a priority for the administration as it navigates this challenging period.

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