Maharashtra drought: Farmer sends money order of ₹5,000 to CM over ‘paltry’ interim aid by govt.
A soybean farmer in Maharashtra, India, sent a ₹5,000 money order to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as a protest against the 'paltry' interim financial assistance provided by the government for drought-hit farmers. The farmer, who spent ₹25,000 on his crop and earned only ₹3,900, borrowed money to send the protest amount, which matches the initial relief announced by the CM. The state government has declared 305 out of 358 talukas as drought-hit.
Why it matters
This act of protest highlights the severe economic distress faced by farmers in drought-stricken regions of India and criticizes the perceived inadequacy of government aid, potentially fueling broader discontent and calls for more substantial support. It underscores the human impact of climate-related agricultural crises and policy responses.
Maharashtra drought: Farmer sends money order of ₹5,000 to CM over ‘paltry’ interim aid by govt. left The State government added 40 more talukas to the drought-hit list, taking the total number of affected sub-divisions in Maharashtra to 305 out of 358. File Reuters Reuters https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/c0us58/article71595829.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-06-22T013050Z_2053487728_RC2HNJAMF0PZ_RTRMADP_3_INDIA-SUGAR.JPG RAJENDRA JADHAV A man harvests sugarcane in a field in Kolhapur district in the western state of Maharashtra, India, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Rajendra Jadhav “I cultivated a soybean crop on 1.5 acres of my farm. I spent ₹25,000 and received a 60-kg yield. I could earn just ₹3,900. I borrowed ₹1,100 from my friend to send the money order,” Mr. Shaikh told reporters outside Surdi post office.
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