21 September,2026 07:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Fadnavis said formal crop-loss assessments, or panchnamas, would be carried out after October 5. File Pic
Amid Opposition demands for an immediate drought declaration in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the state government had already started implementing drought-relief measures and would not wait for assistance from the Centre to support farmers facing crop losses due to inadequate rainfall, reported the PTI.
Fadnavis said the state would provide assistance from its own funds while following the required procedure to seek financial support under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
The Chief Minister said formal crop-loss assessments, or panchnamas, would be carried out after October 5 as required under the rules. The findings would then be used to seek assistance from the Centre.
"There is a difference between formally declaring a drought and implementing relief measures," CM Fadnavis said, explaining that certain steps under the NDRF framework have to be completed before a drought can be formally declared and assistance sought, according to the PTI.
He said the government had already discussed the situation in the state cabinet and was taking steps to address the difficulties faced by farmers.
Fadnavis's remarks come amid a prolonged break in rainfall that has affected crops in several parts of Maharashtra. A state cabinet presentation earlier this month said 20 of the state's 36 districts had recorded a rainfall deficit of at least 20 per cent, while several areas had gone without rain for more than 30 consecutive days, as per the PTI.
The government has said relief preparations are being undertaken ahead of the formal assessment, including measures related to drinking water and fodder in affected areas.
Opposition parties have been demanding that the state declare a drought and provide immediate financial assistance to farmers affected by crop losses.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has also urged the government to formally declare a drought and announce a relief package for affected farmers.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has demanded Rs 1 lakh per hectare assistance and a complete loan waiver for farmers affected by a severe dry spell across several parts of the state.
Sapkal, who visited farms in Buldhana district on Sunday, accused the state government of delaying financial assistance to farmers through endless meetings while standing crops got destroyed, as per PTI.
(with PTI inputs)
