Maharashtra Farmers Hit by Drought: The Maharashtra government has approved ₹5,000 in advance financial help for nearly 1.5 crore farmers affected by drought. The decision was taken by the state Cabinet on October 27, 2026. The money will be given to eligible farmers in 304 drought-hit talukas before Diwali to help them manage their needs after crop losses.
The government has approved a total budget of ₹7,500 crore for this payment. According to PTI, the money will be sent straight to farmers’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked officials to make sure the payment reaches eligible farmers within the week. He has also directed banks not to deduct any money from the relief amount.
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Who Can Get the ₹5,000 Maharashtra Farmer Aid?
The payment is meant for farmers whose crops have suffered more than 33% damage due to drought during the current kharif season. Maharashtra has declared drought in 304 of its 358 talukas after receiving less rainfall than needed this year.
However, not every farmer living in these areas will automatically receive the money. The crop damage must cross the 33% limit, and the government has also set other eligibility rules.
According to the eligibility details reported on October 28, farmers who pay income tax on income earned from sources other than agriculture won’t qualify. Serving and former ministers, sitting and former MPs and MLAs, and current local body members are also excluded. Central and state government employees earning more than ₹25,000 a month won’t qualify. Retired government employees receiving a pension above ₹25,000 a month are also excluded, except ex-servicemen.
When Will the Money Reach Farmers’ Bank Accounts?
The state government plans to transfer the ₹5,000 advance before Diwali. Farmers don’t need to visit an office to collect the payment as it will be sent directly to their bank accounts through DBT.
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Farmers who’ve already completed their e-KYC under government schemes since November 1, 2025, won’t have to complete the process again for this payment. Those with forest land rights who don’t yet have an AgriStack Farmer ID can also receive the advance using their e-KYC details.
The government has also asked banks not to deduct any amount from the ₹5,000 relief payment.
More Drought Relief May Follow
The ₹5,000 payment is an advance meant to provide immediate support while the government continues checking crop losses. Officials are surveying the damage and working on details based on crop types and affected land areas. These assessments will help decide further relief for farmers.
The Maharashtra government is also preparing to seek additional financial support from the Centre through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). A proposal was expected to be submitted by October 31, with reports indicating that the state may seek more than ₹40,000 crore.
