Fadnavis Urges Centre for More Aid as Drought Hits Crops
CM Devendra Fadnavis urges Centre for more financial aid as drought hits cotton, soybean and tur crops in Maharashtra.
FOCUS: Maharashtra drought financial aid
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has formally requested increased financial assistance from the Central Government to combat a growing agricultural crisis. The plea comes as a severe drought has significantly crippled key crops across the state, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and laborers.
Major Impact on Cotton and Soybean Production
During a high-level meeting on Sunday, a central inspection team briefed the Chief Minister on the deteriorating ground realities. The assessment revealed a worrying decline in the production of cotton and soybean, two of the state's most vital commercial crops. Additionally, the tur (pigeon pea) crop has also suffered heavy losses due to the lack of moisture.
The central team, led by Central Joint Secretary Muktanand Agarwal, noted that the drought has not only decimated crops but has also severely depleted local water sources. This scarcity poses a looming threat to the upcoming Rabi season, as the current moisture deficit could hinder the next planting cycle.
State Prioritizes Drinking Water and Livestock
Addressing the crisis, Fadnavis emphasized that the state government is working to manage dwindling resources through strategic water reservations. His primary focus remains ensuring a steady supply for two critical needs:
- Human Consumption: Ensuring drinking water availability for residents.
- Livestock Protection: Implementing measures to safeguard animals from dehydration and fodder shortages.
The Chief Minister stated that the state is prepared to roll out a comprehensive contingency plan should the drinking water shortage escalate further. He underscored that protecting livestock is a non-negotiable priority during this period of environmental stress.
Call for Comprehensive Support
Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to the central team for their extensive tour of the drought-hit regions. While a preliminary report has already been submitted to the Centre, a final, detailed report is expected to follow shortly.
The Chief Minister urged the central government to extend maximum possible financial support to Maharashtra to mitigate the impact on the agricultural sector. He concluded by stating that while the current situation is a major challenge, the state is focused on taking all necessary steps to navigate through the crisis and turn this period of hardship into a manageable situation for the farming community.