An inter-ministerial central government team has arrived today in Maharashtra to conduct an on-ground assessment of the drought situation and crop damage during the 2026 Kharif season. The team, led by Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, will visit different parts of the state till October 11. The assessment will cover rainfall, crop losses, drinking water availability and fodder conditions.
The team has been divided into groups to cover maximum areas, with local officials, experts and state government officers accompanying them during the field visits.
State officials briefed the team on rainfall, crop damage, drinking water availability and the impact of El Niño. Information was also provided on minor irrigation tanks, village water sources and their current status. State officials also presented an assessment of the likely situation over the next seven months.
Officials from agriculture, water resources, rural development, water supply, food and public distribution, animal husbandry, finance, NITI Aayog and other departments are part of the central team.
