States » WestPosted at: Sep 16 2026 3:30PM


Kharif season hit by prolonged rain break in Maharashtra, drought assessment to begin from Oct 5

Mumbai, Sep 16 (UNI) The kharif season in several parts of Maharashtra has come under stress due to prolonged breaks in rainfall, prompting the state government to initiate preparations for assessing drought-like conditions and implementing relief measures, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis has directed the administration to conduct panchnamas (field assessments) of drought-affected areas from October 5 to determine the extent of crop damage and the impact of the prolonged dry spell.
The exercise is expected to provide a detailed assessment of the situation at the ground level and help the government decide on appropriate relief measures.
According to the Chief Minister's directions, officials will assess the condition of crops, availability of water and the overall impact of the rainfall deficit in affected areas.
The assessment will be particularly important in regions where the prolonged gap in rainfall has adversely affected standing kharif crops.
The state government has also indicated that shortage-relief measures will be launched immediately wherever the situation warrants.
The administration has been asked to remain prepared to respond to drinking-water shortages and other difficulties that may arise because of the dry conditions.
The prolonged interruption in rainfall has raised concerns among farmers who depend heavily on the monsoon for the kharif season.
Crops such as soyabean, cotton, tur and other rain-fed crops can be particularly vulnerable when there is an extended gap in rainfall during critical growth stages.
The government is expected to use the findings of the panchnamas to identify areas requiring immediate intervention. The field-level assessment will also help determine the extent of crop losses and the need for measures to support farmers and rural communities.
Officials have been directed to closely monitor the rainfall situation and the availability of water in affected areas.
If the shortage situation intensifies, measures relating to drinking water, fodder and other essential requirements can be taken on an urgent basis.
The Chief Minister's directive comes amid growing concern over the uneven distribution of rainfall across Maharashtra. While some parts of the state have received heavy rainfall during the monsoon, several areas have subsequently experienced prolonged dry spells, creating difficulties for farmers during the crucial kharif growing period.
The government is therefore focusing on taluka- and village-level assessment rather than relying solely on broader regional averages, so that areas facing actual agricultural distress can be identified and appropriate relief measures initiated.
The October 5 panchnama exercise is likely to provide a clearer picture of the extent of the rainfall-related agricultural crisis. Based on the findings, the government will take further decisions regarding drought-related assistance and shortage mitigation measures.
With the kharif season already facing the effects of the prolonged rainfall break, farmers and rural communities are now awaiting timely intervention and relief from the state administration. UNI SP SAS
Tags: #Kharif season hit by prolonged rain break in Maharashtra# drought assessment to begin from Oct 5
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