{
  "id": 15155073,
  "title": "Maharashtra drought: Farmer sends money order of ₹5,000 to CM over ‘paltry’ interim aid by govt.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/maharashtra-drought-farmer-sends-money-order-of-5-000-to-cm-over",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-17T08:20:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu - Sci-Tech",
    "slug": "the-hindu-sci-tech",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/maharashtra-drought-farmer-sends-money-order-of-5000-to-cm-over-paltry-interim-aid-by-govt/article71595791.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Maharashtra, the drought has been declared in 265 talukas out of 358, bringing the total number of affected sub-divisions to 305. The State government has added 40 more talukas to the list, reaching a total of 305. The initial relief of ₹5,000 will be deposited into farmers' bank accounts ahead of Diwali, following the declaration of drought-hit areas. This move comes as the monsoon season is nearing its end, with a significant shortfall in rainfall recorded across the state. Only five districts have witnessed rainfall at or above average levels.\n\nOne farmer from Surdi village in Dharashiv tehsil, Chand Shaikh, has taken matters into his own hands in protest against what he perceives as a \"paltry\" interim aid from the government. Shaikh, who cultivated a soybean crop on 1.5 acres of land, spent ₹25,000 and was able to yield 60 kg, earning only ₹3,900 from the sale. Desperate to cover the costs of his crop, Shaikh borrowed ₹1,100 from a friend to send a money order for ₹5,000 to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The money order was sent to the Surdi post office by Shaikh and his friend, who confirmed the transaction.",
  "summary": "“I cultivated a soybean crop on 1.5 acres of my farm. I spent ₹25,000 and received a 60-kg yield. I could earn just ₹3,900. I borrowed ₹1,100 from my friend to send the money order,” Mr. Shaikh told reporters outside Surdi post office.",
  "key_points": [
    "Maharashtra declared drought in 265 talukas out of 358",
    "State government added 40 more talukas, total 305 affected",
    "Farmer Chand Shaikh sent ₹5,000 money order to CM Devendra Fadnavis"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}