Context
Maharashtra declared 265 of its 358 talukas drought-affected following deficient monsoon rainfall and prolonged dry spells during the 2026 kharif season. The declaration activates drought-relief measures while detailed crop-loss assessments are undertaken.
Explanation
- Drought is a prolonged deficiency in water availability; meteorological, agricultural and hydrological droughts are distinct concepts.
- In India, State governments declare drought, using prescribed indicators and local conditions.
- Maharashtra uses a trigger-based system; Trigger-1 considers indicators such as rainfall deficiency and prolonged dry spells.
- Further assessment considers soil moisture, groundwater, sowing area and crop distress.
- NADAMS (National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System) uses satellite data, rainfall, soil moisture and ground observations for agricultural drought monitoring.
- Relief may include crop-loan restructuring, land-revenue concessions, deferred loan recovery, water/fodder supply and electricity concessions.
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Drought Declaration: Maharashtra’s Trigger-Based Relief System