Centre to send teams to assess drought in Karnataka, Maharashtra: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on September 28, 2026 that the central government will dispatch teams to Karnataka and Maharashtra to evaluate the state of drought in the two Indian states. During a two-day conference aimed at preparing for the upcoming rabi season, Chouhan highlighted the impact of climate change on the kharif season, the previous summer period.

A central team would arrive in Karnataka on October 3 to carry out the assessment. Chouhan, along with his team, assured that they would personally visit the affected states.

Karnataka has declared a drought, and Maharashtra has declared drought conditions in approximately two-thirds of the state. Apart from Maharashtra and Karnataka, Chouhan mentioned that Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are also facing a potential drought crisis. He urged state officials to tackle the risks to kharif crops in these regions and pledged the central government's support.

Chouhan pointed out that crops in some areas have been thriving, yet drought and water scarcity pose a threat in certain regions. He noted the unusual cold spell of weather that had already set in, contrasting it with the typical intense heat of this time of year. Additionally, he mentioned reports of deaths in Uttar Pradesh due to unseasonal rainfall.

Chouhan commended the officials for their efforts during the kharif season, even as he emphasized the need to confront this challenge collectively while preparing for the upcoming rabi season.