Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis admitted that climate change was a major reason for repeated losses, noting how even the rain-deficient Marathwada region was now reeling under excess rainfall
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during an inspection of flood-hit areas in Solapur district on Wednesday. PIC/PTI
CLIMATE change seems to be hitting lakhs of farming families. According to government records, in the past nine years, 519 lakh hectares of farmland across Maharashtra have been damaged due to unseasonal rains between 2015 and 2024.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, too, admitted that climate change was a major reason for repeated losses, noting how even the rain-deficient Marathwada region was now reeling under excess rainfall.
During his visit to affected areas in Solapur and Latur on Wednesday, in his interaction with the media, Fadnavis said, “Vatavaran badal [climate change] has made a lot of difference.”
According to a rough estimate, around 30 lakh hectares of agricultural land have been lost.
The major affected crops include turmeric, urad, jowar, soya beans, cotton, tur, and bananas. Another worry for many farmers is soil erosion and a decrease in soil fertility, which can negatively affect crop yields.
As per the economic survey of Maharashtra, the average agricultural land holding of a farmer is about 1.34 hectares (3.33 acres of land). Whereas in regions such as Vidarbha, the average land holding is higher, close to five acres.
Mantralaya officials believe that the amount of damage suffered by farmers could be much higher than estimated, and only after the panchanama process is completed and details are submitted to the government, the actual picture will come to light.
Aware that in the coming years, climate change will be an issue of major concern, especially when it comes to farmers’ lives, the Indian government has started studying patterns and methods that one needs to adapt to face the changes.
It has even launched schemes such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture, which focus on new farming technologies and practices to help farmers cope with heatwaves, droughts, floods, and other challenges.
According to a 2023 document of the Union ministry of agriculture shared by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), crop yields will show a sharp decline in the coming years.
The release, citing reports, mentioned that by 2050, rain-fed rice may fall by 20 per cent and wheat by nearly 19 per cent. By 2080, rice could drop by almost half and wheat by 40 per cent. Maize and other crops will also see big losses. Apart from lower harvests, climate change will reduce food quality and hit farmers with droughts, floods, and other extreme weather.
Agricultural land in state affected by unseasonal rain
| Year | Amount of area in lakh hectares |
| 2015-16 | 56.50 |
| 2016-17 | 6.85 |
| 2017-18 | 46.12 |
| 2018-19 | 91.35 |
| 2019-2020 | 96.57 |
| 2020-2021 | 45.64 |
| 2021-2022 | 57.56 |
| 2022-2023 | 67.12 |
| 2023-2024 | 51.53 |
Shiv Sena (UBT) warns of protest
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray urged that, on the lines of Punjab, the Maharashtra government should declare financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare for flood-affected farmers. Thackeray visited the Latur and Dharashiv areas of the Marathwada region, which are most affected by heavy rain. After the visit, Thackeray claimed that Sena (UBT) would hit the streets if the government failed to provide the aid demanded by farmers and him.
“We will ensure farmers’ voice reaches the government's ears,” Thackeray mentioned, warning of a protest if the Maharashtra government failed to provide ample assistance and expedite the process.
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