Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said the state government will provide immediate assistance to farmers affected by the drought-like situation without waiting for financial assistance from the Centre. He said a preliminary notification on drought mitigation is expected to be issued by Saturday. Addressing reporters after a Cabinet meeting in Mumbai, Mr Fadnavis said panchnamas to assess crop losses will begin from tomorrow. Soybean, maize and cotton have suffered the most damage, while paddy cultivation in the Konkan region has also been affected. The Chief Minister also announced a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to take speedy decisions on relief measures. The committee will have Cabinet powers, with Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal as its member-secretary.

Mr Fadnavis said ministers and public representatives will visit affected areas from tomorrow to assess the situation and interact with farmers. He said the state will separately prepare a proposal seeking financial assistance from the Centre under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms. He stressed that drinking water and fodder for livestock will receive special attention, with arrangements to be planned for the next seven to eight months in coordination with local bodies.

The drought-like conditions are particularly affecting parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha following weak monsoon rainfall.