Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane has said that the government is closely monitoring the drought-like situation in the state and has ordered immediate completion of crop damage assessments. Mr Bharane said the first notification regarding assistance to farmers would be issued within the next three days. He assured that the government would not leave farmers in distress and that there would be no shortage of funds for providing assistance.

During his visit to Daund, Baramati and Indapur talukas of Pune district, the Agriculture Minister inspected crops and water availability in Deulgaon, Morgaon, Murti, Navali and Kolvihire villages. He also interacted with farmers and assessed the impact of prolonged dry spells on Kharif crops. He said several talukas in Pune district have experienced a prolonged break in rainfall, affecting Kharif crops. Damage assessments are being carried out by the Agriculture and other concerned departments through field visits.

Mr. Bharane stressed that the situation would be assessed through on-ground inspections rather than merely on the basis of statistics. He also said necessary arrangements were being made for drinking water and fodder for livestock.