The Maharashtra government today announced 'medium intensity' drought in eight out of 398 tehsils in the state following water shortage and crop losses in these areas, spread across three districts of Yavatmal, Washim and Jalgaon.
It also declared various relief measures for farmers in these areas.
A government resolution (GR) declaring a medium intensity drought in these tehsils was issued today after a review of the crop situation, damage caused by unseasonal rains, ground water level depletion and losses suffered by farmers due to other reasons, said an official from the revenue department.
Ralegaon, Digras, Ghatanji, Kelapur and Yavatmal tehsils in Yavatmal district, Washim tehsil in Washim district and Muktainagar and Bodwad in Jalgaon district figure in the list.
The official said the water conservation drive undertaken by the government has led to increase in the ground water levels across the state. It has resulted in declaration of water shortage during summer later than usual, he added.
Earlier, the government used to declare the list of scarcity-hit tehsils by March-end, he said.
Parts of Maharashtra received unseasonal showers in the last two weeks which damaged some summer crops as well as led to loss of livestock, he said.
The farmers in these eight tehsils will get relaxation in the land revenue tax, their crop loans would be restructured and the loan recovery will be stayed temporarily.
Further, these farmers will get 33.5 per cent concession in agriculture water pump bills, and school/college fees of farmers' children will be waived, the GR said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
