📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sanket Oswal
Agriculture
Congress demands Rs 1 lakh per hectare drought relief for Maharashtra farmers, calls Rs 5,000 Diwali aid inadequate
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 15 Oct 2026, 06:45 AM
👁 8
The Congress party has asked the state government to provide Rs 1 lakh per hectare to drought‑hit farmers in Maharashtra, saying the Rs 5,000 Diwali assistance falls short of their needs.
Maharashtra’s ruling authorities face pressure from the Indian National Congress, which has formally requested a relief package of Rs 1 lakh per hectare for farmers grappling with a severe drought. The party argues that the current Rs 5,000 Diwali cash assistance announced by the state is far below the cost of cultivating a hectare of drought‑stressed land.
Congress leaders highlighted that the water shortage has reduced crop yields and increased input costs, leaving many small and marginal farmers on the brink of distress. They urged the state cabinet to allocate the higher amount immediately to prevent a further agrarian crisis.
The demand comes as the monsoon season remains erratic, and several districts in the state report below‑average rainfall. While the government has pledged to monitor the situation, it has not yet responded publicly to the Congress’ specific figure.
Analysts note that if the Rs 1 lakh per hectare demand is met, it could provide critical financial support for sowing, irrigation and purchasing inputs, potentially averting a wave of loan defaults among the farming community.
Congress leaders highlighted that the water shortage has reduced crop yields and increased input costs, leaving many small and marginal farmers on the brink of distress. They urged the state cabinet to allocate the higher amount immediately to prevent a further agrarian crisis.
The demand comes as the monsoon season remains erratic, and several districts in the state report below‑average rainfall. While the government has pledged to monitor the situation, it has not yet responded publicly to the Congress’ specific figure.
Analysts note that if the Rs 1 lakh per hectare demand is met, it could provide critical financial support for sowing, irrigation and purchasing inputs, potentially averting a wave of loan defaults among the farming community.