A weak monsoon in several parts of the country, especially in Maharashtra, is translating into a growing drought crisis, with September 2026 emerging as the most drought-aႇected September in at least the last ¿ve years.
Ministers were instructed to carry out preliminary assessment in their respective areas and make necessary arrangements, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said last week. He has asked offials
not to wait and respond to the situation and ensure drinking water supply and inspection of crops. Loan waiver work was also underway, with three lists being issued. “I have ordered that the remaining lists be completed quickly. Urgent assistance that farmers need will be provided by the government. Drinking water and fodder arrangements will be made,” he said.
Concern has grown after Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil said the state could face 100 per cent drought by the end of September. Calling it the worst dry spell he has witnessed in his lifetime, the minister said major crops such as soybean, cotton and sugarcane have suႇered extensive damage due to prolonged rain de¿cits. According to offcial information, as many as 80-plus tehsils in 18 of the 36 districts of Maharashtra are facing a drought-like situation.
Many districts have slipped into moderate, severe or even extreme drought categories. While some parts of the country have recorded normal or excess rainfall, the bene¿ts of the monsoon have been unevenly distributed, leaving several regions struggling with persistent dry conditions.
