Mumbai: Maharashtra Government in Wednesday declared 122 talukas in the state as drought-hit and would demand a financial package from the Centre to mitigate the hardships of farmers.
Talukas, which have received less than 50 per cent rainfall and where sowing is also less than 50 per cent, have been selected as drought-hit. The criteria for those talukas from the perenially drought-prone areas has been increased to 50 per cent to 75 per cent.
Officials said Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan will lead a delegation of ministers to Delhi on Friday for discussion of financial assistance with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Friday.
The state has received 82 per cent rainfall so far and except a few districts, monsoon has been less than average. The shortage of water and fodder is serious concern. The water level in reservoirs is 52 per cent.
As many as 50 talukas in 14 districts have received less than 50 per cent rainfall and 19 talukas have seen less than 50 per cent sowing.
31 talukas in Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) have seen less than 75 per cent rainfall and 22 talukas have seen less than 75 per cent sowing.
So far, only parts of Vidarbha, Konkan and Marathwada have received 76 to 100 per cent rainfall.
PTI
