A pause in the monsoon has led to a drought-like situation in parts of Maharashtra’s Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. At least 83 talukas in 19 districts have recorded a rain break of more than 20 days, with some areas going without rain for over 40 days, according to the State Agriculture Department.

On Wednesday, farmers demanded that the Maharashtra government officially declare a drought in the affected districts, provide compensation and implement relief measures.

The government has ordered a ground-level assessment from October 5 to assess the extent of damage and provide relief to affected farmers.

Farmers in Washim and Beed districts took to the roads on Wednesday. In Washim, the symbolic protests were led by NCP(SP) leader Rohit Pawar.

“Farmers have lost their crop and are facing heavy losses. Labourers are similarly affected,” he said. Mr. Pawar sought compensation of ₹50,000 per hectare to farmers’ families and ₹25,000 for the families of farm labourers.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “We will not let farmers suffer. We will help them with everything we have. I have instructed the officials concerned to prepare a framework to help those affected.”

The Opposition has criticised the government for “wasting time” on surveys.

Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said, “The kharif crop has fallen into crisis. Farmers are facing losses in soyabean, paddy and other crops due to deficient rain.”