Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 19: NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar has criticised the Maharashtra government over its decision to begin formal drought assessments from October 5, saying farmers should not be made to wait despite severe rainfall deficiency across parts of the state.

Pawar said the prolonged dry spell had severely affected the kharif season and left farmers distressed. He questioned why Maharashtra was waiting until October 5 to initiate the drought assessment when Karnataka had already declared drought.

The Maharashtra government has ordered drought-related crop assessments from October 5 under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said relief measures, including assistance to affected farmers, would not necessarily have to wait for the completion of the formal assessment.

Pawar has been demanding that the government declare drought immediately and provide financial assistance to affected farmers. Earlier this month, he had sought assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare for farmers in drought-hit areas.

The issue comes amid a prolonged break in rainfall in several parts of Maharashtra. According to recent reports, the state recorded a 16 per cent rainfall deficit between June and September, while several districts experienced prolonged dry spells.