Maharashtra on Saturday declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 tehsils, covering nearly three fourths of the state, after prolonged rainfall deficits and dry spells affected crops across large parts of Maharashtra.

The declaration triggers an immediate assessment of crop losses and a series of relief measures for farmers, including waiver of land revenue, restructuring of crop loans and a stay on recovery of agriculture related loans. Financial assistance for crop damage, however, will be announced separately after the assessment is completed.

The decision came two days after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following a tour of rain deficit areas, said the government would soon issue the drought notification.

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According to the Government Resolution, the Agriculture Commissioner’s report found drought like conditions in 265 talukas from June onwards due to rainfall deficit and other factors. Trigger 1, defined as a continuous dry spell of at least 21 days without significant rainfall during the monsoon, has been found applicable in these areas.

What does the declaration mean?

District Collectors have been directed to immediately begin crop loss assessment through panchnamas. Officials have to document crop conditions, including photographs with GPS coordinates, and submit reports to the government through the Agriculture Commissioner.

The assessment will form the basis for determining crop damage assistance. The government has said financial assistance to affected farmers will be announced through a separate GR after the prescribed procedures are completed.