{
  "id": 7856611,
  "title": "Maharashtra farmers hold protests, seek drought aid; doing everything possible, won’t let them suffer: CM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/maharashtra-farmers-hold-protests-seek-drought-aid-doing-everything",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T19:41:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/maharashtra-farmers-hold-protests-seek-drought-aid-doing-everything-possible-wont-let-them-suffer-cm/article71472766.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Parts of Maharashtra's Marathwada and Vidarbha regions are experiencing drought-like conditions due to a prolonged pause in the monsoon. Over 83 talukas across 19 districts have seen rain breaks of more than 20 days, with some areas facing over 40 days without rain, according to the State Agriculture Department. Farmers in these regions are demanding that the Maharashtra government officially declare a drought, provide compensation, and implement relief measures. The government has ordered a ground-level assessment from October 5 to determine the extent of damage and provide relief to affected farmers. In Washim and Beed districts, farmers have taken to the streets to protest. In Washim, NCP(SP) leader Rohit Pawar led the symbolic protests, stating that farmers and laborers have lost their crops and are facing significant financial losses. Pawar has requested a compensation of ₹50,000 per hectare for farmers and ₹25,000 for farm laborers' families. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured farmers that the government will not let them suffer and will provide all necessary assistance. The opposition has criticized the government for delaying actions, with Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stating that the kharif crop is in crisis and farmers are suffering losses in soyabean, paddy, and other crops due to deficient rainfall.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Over 83 talukas across 19 districts have seen rain breaks of more than 20 days.",
    "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assures farmers the government will provide necessary assistance."
  ],
  "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."
}