Central Team to Assess Drought in Karnataka and Maharashtra

New Delhi: The Union Agriculture Minister has stated that the Central Government will soon dispatch a team to assess and analyze the drought situation in Karnataka and Maharashtra. The central team for Karnataka is scheduled to depart on October 3. Meanwhile, approximately two-thirds of Maharashtra is in the grip of severe drought, raising concerns about significant damage to Kharif crops.

According to the Agriculture Minister, fresh planning for Rabi crop cultivation will be required in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, based on water availability and existing soil moisture levels. Timely sowing of Rabi crops is essential to ensure optimal yields. Distinct strategies—tailored to the specific geography—need to be formulated for rain-fed areas and regions lacking irrigation facilities.

Between June 1 and September 28 of this year, total cumulative rainfall was 19 percent below the normal average in Maharashtra and 30 percent lower in Karnataka, whereas the rainfall deficit at the all-India level stood at 12 percent. Although total cumulative rainfall has remained below the normal average, the gap has narrowed significantly in recent weeks; the deficit, which had reached 35 percent by the end of June, has now come down to 12 percent.

Farmers in several major agricultural states may face difficulties in sowing Rabi crops due to below-normal rainfall. Water stocks in dams and reservoirs are also low in certain regions, particularly in South India. The Agriculture Minister has urged states to prioritize the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds during the upcoming Rabi season.