Maharashtra drought: Crop inspection report work begins; CM Fadnavis raises worsening El Niño possibility
The Maharashtra government has declared 265 talukas drought-affected and begun crop inspection reports to provide assistance to farmers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned of a potentially worsening El Niño by February 2027, necessitating readiness for intensified troubles.
Why it matters
This impacts the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Maharashtra, a major agricultural state, and highlights the immediate and future challenges posed by climate phenomena like El Niño on food security and regional economies.
The Maharashtra government has begun work on preparing crop inspection reports after declaring 265 talukas drought-affected, and it will provide appropriate assistance to affected farmers, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday (September 27, 2026).
He said that considering the possibility of El Niño peaking in next February, "we should be ready to face troubles if it intensifies".
The State government on Saturday (September 26, 2026) declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, or 74 per cent of the state, amid rainfall deficit and announced various relief measures, including crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions, and power bill subsidies.
Mr. Fadnavis said complaints about the exclusion of certain talukas from the drought criterion are very few and that losses in those areas will be assessed.
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