<p>The<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-govt-announces-drought-relief-package-rs-5000-advance-aid-for-farmers-before-diwali-23655021" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"> Maharashtra government</a> has added 40 more talukas to the drought-hit list, taking the total number of affected talukas to 305 out of the state&rsquo;s 358, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Farmers in the newly added talukas will be eligible for government assistance available to drought-affected areas, Fadnavis told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.</p>
<p>The decision comes amid concerns over rainfall deficits and agricultural distress across several parts of the state. The expanded list will allow farmers in the additional talukas to access relief measures announced by the government for drought-affected regions.</p>
<h2>Relief measures for drought-hit farmers</h2>
<p>Last month, the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-government-declares-265-of-358-talukas-drought-affected-amid-rainfall-deficit-23651975" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">state government declared drought </a>in 265 talukas following a rainfall deficit. It subsequently announced relief measures, including crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions and subsidies on electricity bills.</p>
<p>With 40 more talukas now included, the total number of drought-affected talukas has risen to 305, accounting for a substantial share of Maharashtra&rsquo;s 358 talukas.</p>
<p>The government&rsquo;s assistance is aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers affected by inadequate rainfall. The specific benefits available to farmers will depend on the applicable relief measures and eligibility criteria.</p>
<h2>Cabinet congratulates PM Modi on 25 years in government</h2>
<p>The Maharashtra Cabinet also passed a resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years as head of government.</p>
<p>Modi has held the position continuously since October 7, 2001, when he first became Chief Minister of Gujarat. He served three terms as the state&rsquo;s chief minister before becoming Prime Minister in 2014. He subsequently won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections.</p>
<p>The resolution was passed during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Fadnavis on Wednesday.</p>
<h2>Maharashtra drought relief: Rs 5,000 advance aid for farmers ahead of Diwali</h2>
<p>The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced a <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-drought-relief-amit-shah-assures-support-as-cm-fadnavis-seeks-central-aid-23653858" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">drought relief package</a>, including an advance payment of Rs 5,000 to each affected farmer before Diwali, as several regions of the state face severe agricultural distress.</p>
<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the measures after chairing a Cabinet meeting attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Sunetra Pawar and Eknath Shinde, along with other ministers.</p>
<p>Fadnavis said the advance assistance would be transferred directly to farmers&rsquo; bank accounts to provide immediate financial support ahead of the festival. The state will use its own resources to provide the aid rather than wait for the completion of procedures linked to central assistance.</p>
<h2>Aid before Diwali</h2>
<p>Fadnavis said the government had decided to expedite relief measures in view of the severity of the drought and the financial difficulties faced by farmers.</p>
<p>"We are well aware that this Diwali brings severe hardship for our farmers. Central government relief protocols involve procedures and timelines that cannot be finalised before Diwali. Understanding this urgency, the state cabinet decided to step in immediately and will be using state resources. The Rs 5,000 advance transfer will ensure our farmers have immediate liquidity in hand during the festive season," stated CM Fadnavis.</p>
<p><strong>(With inputs from PTI)</strong></p>

Maharashtra adds 40 more talukas to its drought-hit list, taking the total to 305 out of 358, making more farmers eligible for government relief

Maharashtra adds 40 talukas to drought-hit list, taking total to 305

IMD issues heatwave yellow alert for Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg

Farmers in the newly added talukas will be eligible for government assistance available to drought-affected areas, Fadnavis told reporters after a Cabinet meeting

Maharashtra adds 40 more talukas to drought-hit list, taking total to 305 out of 358

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