Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visits farmers’ fields to assess crop situation
Latur, Sept 2026 : Several districts of Maharashtra, including Marathwada, have received exceptionally low rainfall this year, resulting in extensive crop damage. Latur district has received only 50 per cent of its normal rainfall, the lowest in the state, leaving rivers, streams and wells dry.
The crop losses in the district appear to be widespread, and the state government will provide assistance to farmers accordingly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday. He assured farmers that the government would not leave them alone during the crisis and would stand firmly behind them, extending all possible assistance.
Chief Minister Fadnavis began his tour of Latur district to assess the crop situation by visiting farmers’ fields in Jau and Kharosa. He inspected the damage to kharif crops and interacted directly with farmers to understand their problems.
Latur Guardian Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale, Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, Zilla Parishad president Ushatai Patil, MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar, MLAs Basvaraj Patil, Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, Sanjay Bansode and Abhimanyu Pawar, along with senior administrative officials, public representatives and officials from the concerned departments, were present during the visit.
Steps being taken to provide direct assistance
Fadnavis said the severity of the drought situation in the state could be greater than that witnessed in 1972. Taking the seriousness of the situation into account, the state government has already begun taking measures on a priority basis. A drought notification will be issued shortly, he said.
The government is making efforts to ensure that assistance reaches farmers directly through their bank accounts, Fadnavis said.
He pointed out that agricultural pump electricity bills amounting to around Rs 48,000 crore had already been waived for farmers, adding that they would not be required to pay electricity bills going forward either.
The government has also provided relief to farmers through the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Debt Relief Scheme. The implementation of the scheme will continue until every eligible farmer receives its benefits, the Chief Minister said.
All possible assistance during the crisis
To deal with the drought situation, proper arrangements will be made for drinking water and fodder for livestock. Steps are also being taken to provide farmers with foodgrains and all other necessary assistance.
Large-scale water conservation and employment-generation works will be undertaken, Fadnavis said.
“The state government will stand firmly behind farmers with full strength during this crisis. The next few months will be extremely challenging. Do not lose courage; let us face this crisis together with unity,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that non-functional water supply schemes would be restarted at the earliest.
Farmer breaks down while describing crop losses; CM offers reassurance
At Jau in Nilanga taluka, farmer Noor Patel became emotional while informing the Chief Minister about the crop losses. He broke down on seeing the dried-up crops.
Fadnavis held the farmer’s hand and reassured him, saying, “Do not be afraid. The state government is completely with you in this crisis. All possible assistance will be provided.”
The Chief Minister also interacted with women farmers who were present at the spot and heard their concerns.
