Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed an immediate crop damage assessment across drought-hit districts, with the first farmer aid notification expected within three days, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane said on Wednesday, 23 September. The state is treating the worsening dry spell across multiple divisions — including Pune, Marathwada, and Solapur — with what officials describe as utmost urgency.

Scale of the Dry Spell

In Pune district alone, the rainfall deficit is severe and widespread. Haveli, Junnar, Ambegaon, Mawal and Mulshi talukas have recorded a 2–3 week dry spell, while Bhor and Velhe talukas have gone without meaningful rain for 3–4 weeks. The situation is most acute in Baramati, Shirur, Purandar, Indapur, Daund and Khed talukas, which have endured dry spells exceeding four weeks, according to Bharane. Kharif crops across the Pune division have been severely affected by these prolonged rainfall breaks.

What the Government Said

During a field inspection covering Daund, Baramati and Indapur talukas, Bharane visited villages including Deulgaon, Morgaon, Murti, Nawali and Kolvihire. MLA Rahul Kul and Pune Zilla Parishad President Veerdhawal Jagdale accompanied him.

'Under no circumstances will the government abandon the farmers. There will be no shortage of funds for the damage sustained. The government is committed to providing maximum assistance,' Bharane said, adding that arrangements for drinking water and livestock fodder are also being planned.

Agriculture and related departments are preparing damage records through direct field visits, with panchnamas and proposals expected to be completed urgently, he said.

Fadnavis Pledges Funds Without Waiting for Centre

Chief Minister Fadnavis, who personally visited Marathwada and Solapur, confirmed the state will disburse relief immediately — without waiting for central government clearance — and subsequently seek reimbursement from the Centre under NDRF norms. A formal notification declaring drought conditions across affected regions is scheduled for Saturday.

'The government has taken this severe drought situation with utmost seriousness and initiated comprehensive mitigation measures. We stand firmly behind our farmers. The ongoing farm loan waiver scheme will continue without disruption, and we are mobilising additional funds to ensure no shortage of relief resources,' Fadnavis said.

Shinde Visits Akola and Buldhana

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who visited Akola and Buldhana districts, also sought to reassure farmers. 'Farmers must not lose heart; the government will not leave them in the lurch and will provide substantial financial assistance,' he said.

This comes amid growing pressure on the Mahayuti alliance government to demonstrate a credible response ahead of what could be one of the most damaging Kharif seasons in recent years. With a formal drought declaration due Saturday and aid disbursements to follow, the pace of actual relief on the ground will be the true measure of these commitments.