05 October,2026 12:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has warned of a prolonged drought as the monsoon retreats from most parts of Maharashtra. File pic
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has criticised the Maharashtra government over growing farmer distress following the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from most parts of the state.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction warned that Maharashtra could face a severe drought lasting nine to 10 months. The editorial said the retreat of the monsoon, without the expected return showers, had dashed farmers' remaining hopes and left large parts of the state facing severe water and crop-related stress.
According to the editorial, more than 20 of Maharashtra's 36 districts recorded significant rainfall deficits this season. It said the delayed arrival of the monsoon affected the initial sowing process, while crops sown later were damaged after rainfall disappeared for almost two consecutive months.
The editorial said the impact was particularly severe in Marathwada, Vidarbha and Central Maharashtra, where farmers were left struggling with crop losses.
"Solapur recorded the highest deficit in the state at 58 per cent. Beed faced a rainfall deficit of 51 per cent. Hingoli recorded a deficit of 49 per cent. Jalna logged a deficit of 48 per cent. Ahilyanagar and Dharashiv both registered a 46 per cent shortage. Even coastal Sindhudurg, usually known for high rainfall, registered a 36 per cent deficit," said the Saamana editorial.
The editorial also criticised the state administration over the handling of the drought situation. It alleged that officials in Solapur took the Guardian Minister to an irrigated and green farm during an inspection instead of showing the actual dry crop conditions in other areas.
According to Saamana, abnormal weather conditions have added to the difficulties faced by farmers. The editorial said the usual October heat began as early as mid-August, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius in parts of Maharashtra.
It claimed that the prolonged heat had dried green pastures, wells and local water bodies, worsening shortages of drinking water and cattle fodder.
The editorial also claimed that a fresh wave of farmer suicides had begun in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada amid financial distress.
The Thackeray-led Sena argued that merely declaring drought would not be enough to address the crisis and said the government needed to provide relief to affected farmers.
It further criticised ministers and political leaders who had earlier visited farms, alleging that they had now returned to the Secretariat while farmers continued to wait for immediate assistance.
(With inputs from IANS)
