Stories
Maharashtra Drought: Farmers in Tears as Cattle Sold Due to Fodder and Water Scarcity
- •Drought declared in 265 out of 358 talukas in Maharashtra, affecting about 74% of the state.
- •Marathwada and Vidarbha likely to face severe drought, reminiscent of the historic 1972 drought.
- •Latur district experiencing worsening drought, impacting crops and now livestock due to lack of fodder and water.
- •Farmers are forced to sell their cattle, raised like their own children, due to severe scarcity.
- •Cattle are being sold for negligible amounts in markets like Ausa, as farmers struggle to sustain them.
Key Questions Answered
Drought has been officially declared in 265 out of 358 talukas, which accounts for approximately 74% of the state of Maharashtra, with many additional talukas expected to be included in a subsequent phase. Chief Minister Fadnavis noted that Marathwada and Vidarbha face the most severe impacts, comparing the dire situation to the historic drought of 1972.
Farmers in Udgir tehsil within the Latur district have started collecting dried-up soybean stalks to convert them into usable cattle feed. This desperate measure aims to keep their livestock alive and cope with the acute shortage of both green and dry fodder caused by the lack of rainfall.
The widespread drought triggered sharp morning declines in the stock market due to concerns over crop losses, rising food inflation, and higher production costs. Additionally, the state government's relief measures include restructuring crop loans, staying agricultural loan recoveries, and offering electricity bill concessions, which directly impact lenders' cash flows.
