Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government may issue a government resolution on drought relief measures on 25 September, after widespread crop losses left farmers with little or no income from their fields.
Fadnavis made the statement on Friday while speaking at a Mathadi workers’ gathering organised at the Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee premises in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. He later spoke to the media about the crop damage and the government’s proposed response.
According to the chief minister, crops have been severely damaged in several parts of Maharashtra. The losses have directly affected farm incomes, with farmers unlikely to receive meaningful returns from the affected agricultural produce.
The proposed government decision is expected to outline measures intended to provide immediate relief to farmers facing the consequences of crop failure. The report does not specify the amount of assistance, the districts that would be covered, or the eligibility conditions under the proposed measures.
Fadnavis also said that the state was planning projects focused on water storage and water conservation. The government’s stated objective is to improve water availability and prepare for similar drought conditions in the future.
The announcement links short-term relief with longer-term water management. While immediate assistance would address the income shock caused by crop losses, water storage and conservation projects would form part of the state’s effort to reduce the impact of future water shortages.
The chief minister did not provide details of the proposed projects, their funding, implementation agencies or timelines. These details, along with the final scope of the relief package, are expected to become clearer if the government resolution is issued as indicated.
The government’s next step is the possible release of the drought-related resolution on 25 September, after which the measures and their implementation framework can be assessed.
