40 More Talukas Added to Drought-Hit List; Examination Fees to Be Waived Across the Board
- Planning for drinking water and fodder availability; banks directed not to pressure farmers for loan recovery
Mumbai, October 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday announced that the state government would deposit an advance assistance of ₹5,000 into farmers’ bank accounts before Diwali to provide relief amid the prevailing drought conditions. He also announced the inclusion of 40 additional talukas in the drought-affected list.
Fadnavis was speaking to the media after a state Cabinet meeting at Sahyadri State Guest House in Mumbai.
The Chief Minister said strict instructions had been issued to cooperative societies, district cooperative banks, nationalised banks and microfinance companies not to put pressure on farmers for loan recovery during the difficult period.
He also said directions had been issued to take stringent action against the illegal extraction of water to ensure adequate drinking water availability. As part of these measures, electricity connections to 16,000 consumers had been disconnected, he added.
Number of drought-hit talukas rises to 305
The state had previously declared 265 talukas drought-affected. With the addition of another 40 talukas, the total number of drought-hit talukas in Maharashtra has now increased to 305.
The government will accord priority to implementing drought-relief measures in these areas. The process of activating the prescribed drought assessment mechanism, including the first trigger already applied in the previously identified talukas, is being expedited for the newly included areas as well.
Fadnavis also clarified that examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas would be waived entirely, without applying any eligibility criteria.
Measures to ensure fodder availability
The Cabinet discussed various measures to ensure an adequate supply of fodder for livestock and conducted a comprehensive review of its availability.
The Chief Minister said farmers in areas where water was available had been encouraged to cultivate fodder crops. Efforts would also be made to promote fodder-producing crops such as sorghum during the rabi season.
To ensure sufficient fodder for livestock, the government would procure fodder cultivated by farmers at the assured support price, Fadnavis said.
Banks told not to pressure farmers for loan recovery
Reiterating the government's stand on protecting farmers during the drought, the Chief Minister said cooperative societies and district banks had been instructed not to harass farmers for repayment of loans.
He added that electricity supply for agricultural purposes up to 7.5 horsepower was already being provided free of cost in the state. If farmers were being pressured to pay electricity bills despite this provision, strict instructions would be issued to prevent such practices.
The government was also monitoring the functioning of microfinance companies to ensure that they did not adopt coercive or high-handed methods while recovering loans from farmers.
Fadnavis said clear directions had been issued to all concerned institutions to exercise restraint and ensure that farmers were not subjected to undue pressure during the drought.
The announced measures are aimed at providing immediate financial relief to farmers before Diwali while addressing the pressing challenges of drinking water shortages, livestock fodder availability and educational expenses for students in drought-affected regions.
