Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), emphasised that his party is prioritising assistance for those impacted by drought conditions in Maharashtra. This statement was made on October 3, 2026, in advance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Baramati on November 3.

During a press briefing, Pawar highlighted the urgent need for action regarding the ongoing drought, which has significantly affected farmers and agricultural workers throughout the state. The remarks signal a growing concern as several regions in Maharashtra grapple with inadequate water supply and inconsistent rainfall.

Requests for immediate relief measures have intensified, reflecting widespread distress among various stakeholders in agriculture. The NCP chief reiterated the importance of addressing these pressing issues to mitigate the suffering of affected individuals.

Concerns About Increased Severity of Drought

Rohit Pawar, the NCP-SP MLA, recently described the drought conditions in Maharashtra as the most severe observed in decades, even suggesting it had surpassed the crisis experienced in 1972. He urged the state government to provide urgent assistance to farmers and agricultural workers facing significant economic hardship.

His suggestions included a cessation of debt recovery for farmers as well as a complete waiver of loans, aiming to offer some financial relief. Additionally, he called for an exemption from electricity bills for farmers whose livelihoods had been adversely affected by the drought, alongside the waiving of school fees for children in these critically-hit areas.

Rohit Pawar raised questions regarding the government’s approach to drought relief, noting conflicting statements from state officials. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that immediate assistance would be provided, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan suggested that aid would be dispensed in accordance with established policies. This discord sparked inquiries about the actual framework governing relief efforts.

Reported Rainfall Deficits and Economic Impact

According to data presented by Rohit Pawar, Maharashtra experienced a significant rainfall deficit of 20 per cent as of September 27, 2023. He indicated that rainfall levels were 40 per cent lower than normal in June, with a subsequent increase of 110 per cent in July, albeit this was followed by a 51 per cent deficit in August and a 49 per cent deficit in September.

The impacts of declining rainfall have been noted across various regions, with districts such as Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recording a deficit of 34 per cent. Meanwhile, Pune faced a 32 per cent shortfall, Nagpur reported 25 per cent less rainfall, and Konkan saw a nearly 10 per cent decrease.

In his engagements with farmers across Maharashtra via video conferencing, Rohit Pawar elaborated on the economic implications of the drought. He stated that farmers have incurred personal expenses totaling around Rs 95,500 crore and indicated that more favourable market prices could have allowed for earnings approaching Rs 1.28 lakh crore.

The ongoing drought crisis has prompted calls for comprehensive strategies to alleviate its effects, ensuring that the agricultural community receives adequate support during this challenging period. The dialogue among political representatives and the state government continues, as stakeholders seek effective solutions to a pressing environmental issue.

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