Brief
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis expands drought relief to talukas outside trigger criteria
The state cabinet will extend assistance to farmers in about 20 talukas that failed to meet technical drought‑relief thresholds.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that farmers in talukas which did not satisfy the central government’s ‘Trigger‑1’ or ‘Trigger‑2’ drought‑relief criteria but suffered significant crop losses will also receive assistance.
According to an official present at the cabinet meeting, roughly 20 talukas fell short of the prescribed norms for Trigger‑1, largely because heavy rainfall in isolated revenue circles raised average taluka rainfall figures, masking localized crop failure. The cabinet resolved to conduct field‑level inspections at the revenue‑circle level and to extend benefits where crops are found to have withered.
Fadnavis emphasized that “even if the crops do not fit the technical criteria, if the crops have actually withered in the fields, farmers cannot be left high and dry.” He added that the drought sub‑committee will monitor the situation and that assistance will be provided wherever genuine loss is documented.
Of the state’s 358 talukas, 265 (about 74 %) have already been declared drought‑affected. The cabinet also approved Maharashtra’s first Fodder Development Policy to address livestock‑feed shortages and promote dairy farming.
Key facts
- Around 20 talukas did not qualify for Trigger‑1 because they failed to meet technical norms. (deccanchronicle.com)
- 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas (about 74%) have already been declared drought‑affected. (deccanchronicle.com)
- The cabinet approved Maharashtra’s first Fodder Development Policy. (deccanchronicle.com)
Sources
- [1] deccanchronicle.com — originally reported as “Fadnavis Assures Drought Relief Beyond Trigger Criteria”
