Drought Relief Expanded
Maharashtra Expands Drought Relief to Over Three Hundred Talukas Ahead of Diwali
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In Maharashtra, the crop-damage panchnama is being conducted jointly by revenue, agriculture and rural-development officials at the village level. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he would visit five to six districts to check the process and that no affected farmer would be left out of the relief package.
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Maharashtra set April 30, 2027, as the deadline for banks to complete crop-loan restructuring and said fresh crop credit should remain available for the coming Kharif season.
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Karnataka’s ₹7,142.64-crore relief request comprises ₹4,998.6 crore for input subsidies and ₹2,144.04 crore for measures including fodder and drinking water; the state said the request is not yet an announcement of sanctioned funds.
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Karnataka said ground verification was underway in another 40 taluks, which could take the number of drought-declared taluks above 220.
Maharashtra has expanded drought relief to more than 305 talukas as farmers face severe crop losses and financial hardship. Maharashtra Times reported that the state aims to deliver compensation before Diwali after completing damage assessments. Authorities have halted loan recoveries, ordered crop-loan restructuring, and set aside funds for rural employment in affected areas.
Karnataka's drought crisis is deepening, with Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara warning that losses could reach ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 crore. News18 reported the state has requested ₹7,142.64 crore in relief from the Centre, citing estimated crop damage of ₹46,324.5 crore across 177 drought-hit taluks. Farmers in both states are demanding urgent government support as the crisis threatens livelihoods.
Maharashtra's Multi-Step Drought Response Plan
Maharashtra is conducting joint crop-damage assessments at the village level through revenue, agriculture, and rural-development officials. Hindustan Times reported that Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he would visit five to six districts to oversee the process, ensuring no affected farmer is left out of relief packages.
The state has set April 30, 2027, as the deadline for banks to complete crop-loan restructuring. Fresh crop credit will remain available for the coming Kharif season. Maharashtra has also waived exam fees in affected areas and halted loan recoveries to ease financial strain on farmers during the crisis.
Karnataka Seeks ₹7,100+ Crore in Federal Drought Aid
Karnataka has asked the Centre to revise drought-assistance norms and speed up support. Economic Times reported the state's ₹7,142.64-crore relief request breaks down into ₹4,998.6 crore for input subsidies and ₹2,144.04 crore for fodder and drinking water measures. State officials stressed this is a request, not yet a sanctioned announcement.
Ground verification is underway in another 40 taluks, which could push the total drought-declared taluks above 220. Deputy CM Parameshwara warned that final losses may exceed initial estimates, potentially reaching ₹60,000 crore as reservoir levels continue to drop heading into dry months.
Farmers Demand Waivers as Drought Deepens
Protests have erupted across drought-hit regions. Farmers in Mysuru called for a complete farm-loan waiver and challenged the state's decision to celebrate Dasara during the crisis. Their anger reflects growing frustration over delayed relief and insufficient government support during the agricultural collapse.
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