New Delhi, Mar 8 (IANS): Parts of Maharashtra were facing drinking water and drought shortages due to drought, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said Friday, adding that the the state government had asked for Rs.1,800 crore to deal with the situation.
Responding to concerns in the Rajya Sabha over the drought situation in Maharashtra, Pawar told the house that the situation concerning the rabi crop in the state was "quite serious".
He said 3,905 villages in nine districts were facing severe problem of drinking water and fodder.
Pawar said the state government has taken effective steps to deal with the situation and had asked for assistance of Rs.1,800 crore to deal with the situation.
"There will be total support from the government of India," Pawar said.