Maharashtra Declares Drought Across Three-Quarters of State Amid Severe Rainfall Deficit

• The declaration follows a period of prolonged and significantly low rainfall across the region.
• The severe water shortage threatens the livelihoods of millions of farmers dependent on seasonal crops.

Updated 10 min 59 sec ago

September 26, 2026 16:07

MUMBAI — The government of Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state, announced on Saturday that a severe drought has engulfed nearly three-quarters of the region, driven by prolonged and deficient rainfall. This declaration follows a national weather department forecast predicting that India will conclude its annual monsoon season with a significant rainfall deficit, raising alarms for agricultural stability.

Meteorological officials attribute the erratic weather to a stronger-than-usual El Niño phenomenon, which typically ushers in drier conditions across South Asia and disrupts normal rainfall cycles. In Maharashtra, a major western state with a population of 130 million and home to the financial hub of Mumbai, drought conditions now cover 74 percent of its territory.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the state administration remains “firmly behind our farmer brethren” as they navigate this severe crisis. The state government has pledged to conduct a thorough assessment of crop damage and ensure that farmers, agricultural laborers, and rural families receive timely financial and material assistance.

Hundreds of millions of Indians rely on the crucial June-to-September monsoon season to sustain both agricultural activities and industrial sectors. As a primary agricultural powerhouse, Maharashtra produces key crops such as cotton, soybeans, sugarcane, and pulses, supporting the livelihoods of its vast population. With many farmers relying entirely on seasonal rains for irrigation, crop failures pose a severe risk, potentially pushing entire families into deep financial distress.

The impact of the dry spell is also extending to southern India, where the neighboring state of Karnataka has announced similar relief measures for drought-affected farmers. El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean, which can significantly alter global wind and rainfall patterns. Scientists warn that human-induced climate change can amplify the intensity of El Niño events by increasing atmospheric energy and moisture, ultimately fueling more extreme weather conditions.

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