The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on drought, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, is likely to meet next week to consider financial aid to drought-hit Maharashtra.
Maharashtra is witnessing drought during the current Rabi (winter) season, and this drought spell was preceded by drought during Rabi 2011-12 and Kharif-2012.
"An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is currently visiting Maharashtra to assess the drought situation in the State. The team's assessment will be placed before the EGoM for effective management of drought and related issues which is likely to meet the next week," an official statement said.
Deficit rainfall in western Maharashtra and Marathwada throughout the 2012 monsoon resulted in less availability of soil moisture and water for irrigation.
