60 lakh hectares of crops destroyed in Maharashtra floods; here's what the govt relief plan looks like

CM Fadnavis rules out 'wet drought' tag, says all drought-like benefits to be extended; farmers to get compensation before Diwali.

Maharashtra is grappling with the aftermath of relentless rains and floods that have damaged nearly 60 lakh hectares of farmland, crippling the state’s kharif season and pushing farmers into distress.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the government will extend all drought-related relief benefits to the affected people, even though there is no official provision for declaring a 'wet drought' as demanded by the Opposition.

“As per the preliminary estimate, 60 lakh hectares of area have been damaged. Farmers will get relief in their bank accounts before Diwali,” Fadnavis said after a cabinet meeting, according to a report by PTI.

What the government is planning

A comprehensive relief policy is expected next week after damage assessment wraps up in 2–3 days.

The state will first provide immediate aid, while a memorandum will be sent to the Centre for a larger relief package.

The Centre’s contribution will effectively be a reimbursement, Fadnavis clarified.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde added that the government has already begun distributing Rs 10,000 in cash along with rice and wheat to families in flood-affected districts, PTI reported.

“The government will not hesitate to help farmers. It is our responsibility,” Shinde said, adding that Shiv Sena workers outside Mumbai will skip the Dussehra rally to assist in relief work.

Farmers face survival crisis

While the government is scrambling to provide aid, farmers are battling mounting distress. Loan recovery notices issued by banks to rain-hit cultivators sparked outrage.

According to the PTI report, Fadnavis clarified that these were for old dues and directed that fresh recovery action be halted. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said relief would be prioritised over projects, stressing: “The state may delay projects, but supporting farmers is non-negotiable.”

Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne pegged crop losses at 1.25–1.50 crore acres, with 1 crore acres lost in September alone. Cotton, soybean and pulses have been hit hard, putting both kharif and the upcoming rabi season at risk.

Opposition turns up the heat

The Opposition accused the government of being slow to act. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the Mahayuti alliance for allowing banks to pursue recoveries even as crops were wiped out across 24 districts and 137 talukas.

“Nearly 52 lakh hectares of kharif crops are destroyed. The season is lost, and rabi is in jeopardy. Why hasn’t the government stopped loan recoveries and sent a central team yet?” Wadettiwar asked.

Beyond politics: a humanitarian test

As the state stares at 40 percent of cultivated land damaged, the crisis has turned into both a political flashpoint and a humanitarian challenge. Shinde urged Opposition leaders to join hands, while also fending off criticism over his photo appearing on relief material.

For now, the promise is clear: farmers will get aid before Diwali. But with thousands of homes still underwater, standing crops destroyed, and rural livelihoods in peril, Maharashtra’s test of relief and recovery has only just begun.