Maharashtra to witness a rainfall deficit of around 12% due to El Niño: CM Fadnavis
The Maharashtra government has announced a projected rainfall deficit of around 12% this monsoon season due to El Niño. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government will waive off farmers' loans before June 30 and is implementing technology-based solutions to address the expected low rainfall. The state is focusing on improving weather forecasting to aid farmers during the Kharif season, which is crucial for agriculture in the region.
- ▪Maharashtra is expected to receive only 88% of its average rainfall this monsoon season.
- ▪The government will waive up to ₹2 lakh on crop loans for farmers under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana.
- ▪Nationalised banks have been instructed to achieve an 80% loan disbursement target in the agricultural sector.
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The Maharashtra government on Thursday (May 21, 2026) informed that loans of farmers will be waived off before June 30, stating that it is likely to witness a rainfall deficit of around 12% this monsoon season due to El Niño.“So far, the forecast shows that the State will receive average of 88% of rainfall. Some regions are likely to receive more rainfall, while in others, rainfall will be scarce. The problems will emerge in Western Vidarbha and Marathwada,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, adding that the government is inducing technology-based solutions to combat low rainfall conditions. According to the Agriculture Department, the Kharif season is the biggest season in Maharashtra, as 152 lakh hectares of area are under cultivation.
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