📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
Agriculture
Sharad Pawar urges Maharashtra CM to declare drought, seeks Rs 50,000 per hectare farm aid
✍️ mid-day.com
🗓 19 Sep 2026, 08:16 AM
👁 10
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar has called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to officially declare a drought in Maharashtra and to provide farmers with a cash assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare.
Maharashtra’s agricultural sector is facing severe water stress, with many districts reporting below‑normal rainfall and declining crop yields. Local farmer groups have warned that the prolonged shortfall could push a large number of cultivators into distress.
Senior Congress leader Sharad Pawar addressed the issue in a public statement, urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to formally declare a drought in the state. Pawar said a formal declaration would unlock central and state relief mechanisms and enable timely assistance to affected growers.
Pawar specifically requested that the government allocate a cash grant of Rs 50,000 per hectare to support farmers in re‑planting, irrigation and other recovery measures. He argued that such targeted aid would mitigate the immediate financial shock and help stabilize rural incomes ahead of the upcoming sowing season.
The demand comes as the state government has so far refrained from labeling the situation a drought, citing the need for comprehensive data. Analysts note that a formal declaration could also trigger additional weather‑relief funds under national schemes, potentially benefiting millions of cultivators across Maharashtra.
Senior Congress leader Sharad Pawar addressed the issue in a public statement, urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to formally declare a drought in the state. Pawar said a formal declaration would unlock central and state relief mechanisms and enable timely assistance to affected growers.
Pawar specifically requested that the government allocate a cash grant of Rs 50,000 per hectare to support farmers in re‑planting, irrigation and other recovery measures. He argued that such targeted aid would mitigate the immediate financial shock and help stabilize rural incomes ahead of the upcoming sowing season.
The demand comes as the state government has so far refrained from labeling the situation a drought, citing the need for comprehensive data. Analysts note that a formal declaration could also trigger additional weather‑relief funds under national schemes, potentially benefiting millions of cultivators across Maharashtra.