Maharashtra Extends Crop Damage Assessment to Revenue Circle Level for Wider Farmer Aid

The Maharashtra government has decided to expand its crop damage assessment to the revenue circle level, allowing financial assistance to farmers in areas that have not met official drought criteria but suffered significant crop losses. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision after a Cabinet meeting, stating the government would not rely solely on technical parameters while evaluating the impact of irregular rainfall this year.

As many as 265 of the state's 358 talukas—nearly 74 per cent—have already been declared drought-affected. However, several regions outside this list reported crop damage following prolonged dry spells after heavy rainfall in the monsoon's early months. Ministers raised the issue of crop losses in their respective areas and sought assistance for farmers who could not qualify under existing criteria.

Fadnavis noted the unusual weather pattern this year: heavy rainfall in the first two months followed by no rains for the next two months. The Cabinet approved a procedure for more extensive assessment at the mandal level, enabling authorities to identify pockets within a taluka where crops suffered significant damage. The drought relief Cabinet sub-committee will examine individual cases and submit proposals for extended assistance.