Maharashtra Farmers Protest Drought Conditions, Demand Government Relief as Monsoon Fails

At least 83 talukas across 19 districts in Maharashtra have recorded rain breaks exceeding 20 days, with some areas facing over 40 consecutive days without rainfall, according to the State Agriculture Department. The dry spell has created drought-like conditions in parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.

Farmers Demand Drought Declaration

Farmers took to the roads on Wednesday, calling on the state government to formally declare a drought in affected districts and provide compensation and relief measures. Demonstrations were held in Washim and Beed districts, where protests took a symbolic form.

In Washim, NCPSP leader Rohit Pawar led the demonstrations. “Farmers have lost their crop and are facing heavy losses. Labourers are similarly affected,” he said. Pawar sought compensation of ₹50,000 per hectare for farming families and ₹25,000 for families of agricultural labourers.

Government Response

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government would not allow farmers to suffer. “We will help them with everything we have. I have instructed the officials concerned to prepare a framework to help those affected,” he said. The government has scheduled a ground-level assessment beginning October 5 to evaluate crop damage and determine relief requirements.

Opposition Criticism

The Opposition has criticized the delay. Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the kharif crop had fallen into crisis, with farmers experiencing losses in soyabean, paddy and other produce due to insufficient rainfall.