'Declare Wet Drought': Maharashtra Congress Leader Seeks Relief For Rain-Hit Farmers

Last Updated:September 17, 2025, 16:36 IST

According to official estimates, more than 17.85 lakh hectares of farmland across 30 districts have been damaged due to excessive rains.

Vijay Wadettiwar has asked Fadnavis to extend financial support of Rs 50,000 per hectare to distressed farmers. (Image: PTI File)

Senior Congress leader in the Maharashtra Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, has urged the state government to declare a “wet drought" across affected districts and immediately extend financial support of Rs 50,000 per hectare to distressed farmers. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Wadettiwar highlighted the severe crop damage caused by heavy rainfall in August and September, which has left farmers in despair.

According to official estimates, more than 17.85 lakh hectares of farmland across 30 districts have been damaged due to excessive rains. Marathwada and Vidarbha have suffered the worst impact, with soybean, maize, and cotton crops bearing the brunt of the deluge. Wadettiwar said farmers were already struggling due to pending loan waivers, and now, with their standing crops destroyed, they find themselves pushed further into crisis.

“The state must immediately declare a wet drought and provide Rs 50,000 per hectare in compensation. Farmers are on the verge of losing their Rabi season as well. Unless timely aid is given, the rural economy will collapse," Wadettiwar wrote in his letter.

He further demanded that banks be directed to halt loan recovery from farmers and that crop insurance companies expedite relief payments without delay. “The government cannot allow farmers to suffer twice – once due to nature’s fury and again due to institutional apathy," he added.

Wadettiwar also expressed disappointment that the recent cabinet meeting failed to take any concrete decision on farmer aid, despite widespread expectations. “Farmers waited for a relief package, but none came. Their hope has now turned into frustration. The government must not waste more time in formalities," he said.

He urged the administration to fast-track crop damage assessments and complete the Panchnama at the earliest so that relief announcements can be made without delay. “The state owes it to its farmers to stand by them in this hour of crisis. Any further delay will only deepen their distress," Wadettiwar emphasized.

The demand for declaring a “wet drought" comes at a time when farmer suicides are on the rise in several regions, and rural distress remains a pressing issue. Wadettiwar’s letter places renewed pressure on the state government to act decisively and announce an aid package that addresses both immediate and long-term concerns of Maharashtra’s farming community.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

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