Maharashtra CM seeks Centre's drought relief as farmers face water crisis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to address the mounting agricultural crisis gripping the state. The hour-long meeting centred on the deteriorating conditions faced by farmers amid widespread drought, with particular focus on water availability and livestock feed shortages.

During the meeting, Shinde apprised the Prime Minister of the severity of the situation across Maharashtra's farming communities. The discussions covered critical issues including irrigation challenges, agricultural productivity decline, and the scarcity of fodder for cattle and other livestock—concerns that have intensified as drought conditions persist across multiple districts.

The Centre has assured Maharashtra of its support in addressing the crisis, signalling willingness to coordinate relief measures for affected farmers. The commitment aims to mitigate the immediate hardships faced by the agricultural sector and stabilize rural livelihoods across the state.

Maharashtra has faced recurring drought conditions that have strained water resources and impacted crop production. The state's agricultural economy, which supports millions of farmers, has been increasingly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns and declining groundwater levels in recent seasons.