The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 265 talukas and announced a 12-point relief package for affected farmers and rural households. The package covers drinking water supply, fodder depots, crop loan restructuring, and additional employment under rural job schemes.

What the package includes

Officials said priority will go to tanker water supply in scarcity-hit villages, subsidised fodder for livestock, and relief for school fees and land revenue in notified areas. Electricity bill concessions for agricultural pumps are also part of the plan.

Opposition demands more

Opposition leaders have demanded faster disbursal and a higher per-hectare payout, arguing that input costs have risen sharply. The government said district collectors have been authorised to start procurement of relief materials immediately.

Monsoon deficit

The declaration follows a patchy monsoon that left reservoirs below normal levels in large parts of the state. Authorities will review the situation taluka-wise as rabi sowing begins.