Maharashtra declares 265 talukas drought-hit; crop loan restructuring, power concessions announced
The measures include restructuring of crop loans, concessions on land revenue, postponement of recovery of agriculture-related loans and electricity bill relief for agricultural pumps in the affected areas
The Maharashtra government has declared 265 out of the state's 358 talukas as drought-affected, covering nearly 74% of the state. The announcement of a relief package for farmers and rural communities includes restructuring of crop loans, land revenue concessions, and postponement of recovery of agriculture-related loans. District collectors have been instructed to begin assessing crop damage in the drought-hit areas.
The government has activated Trigger-1 under the Drought Management Code 2016, which recognizes drought conditions and initiates relief measures when rainfall is more than 25% below normal and a dry spell lasts at least 21 days. The highest number of affected talukas is in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, followed by Amravati, Nashik, Nagpur, Pune, and Thane.
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