Central teams to assess drought in Karnataka and Maharashtra, says Union Agriculture Minister

28 September 2026

Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said central teams will visit Karnataka and Maharashtra for a ground assessment of drought conditions.
He was speaking at the two-day National Agriculture Conference - Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi.
A central team will undertake the ground assessment in Karnataka on 3 October, and another team will be sent to Maharashtra.
He said nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra has been affected and the state has declared drought, while Karnataka is facing drought-like conditions.
He said Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should prepare crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with separate strategies for rainfed and irrigated areas.
He recommended promoting pulses and oilseeds in fallow areas after paddy cultivation.