Nearly 85% of Maharashtra’s talukas (sub-districts) are now drought-hit, with several of these regions reporting drops in soil moisture and groundwater levels
Short-duration and drought-tolerant varieties, intercropping and soil-moisture conservation can further reduce the risks associated with uncertain rainfall,” said Shripad Lonari, an activist from Western Maharashtra. Water conservation must also complement changes in cropping patterns, the experts said, while calling for more farm ponds, better rainwater harvesting, recharge and drip or sprinkler systems. “But irrigation investments need to be aligned with local hydrological conditions to prevent further depletion of groundwater,” said Anil Ghanwat, an agriculture activist.
Agricultural experts have called for shifts to jowar, bajra, pulses and oilseeds in areas with limited water availability, although their suitability depends on local soil conditions, rainfall patterns and market demand. A recent assessment by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), based on groundwater and cropping-pattern data, highlighted the mismatch between water demand from existing cropping systems and water availability in several states, including Maharashtra. ICAR recommended location-specific diversification towards relatively less water-intensive crops, supported by efficient irrigation and locally appropriate farming practices. “For instance, farmers considering pulses or oilseeds need access to suitable seeds, timely technical guidance and reliable buyers.
The initiative comes amid a crippling drought, which has spread to 305 of the state’s 358 talukas. A senior agriculture official said crop-cutting results indicated tens of thousands of farmers are now likely to lose more than 50% of their harvest.
The campaign will also focus on improvements in soil health, balanced fertiliser use, natural farming and water conservation,” state agriculture commissioner Suraj Mandhare said. “And the situation is particularly bad in Marathwada, Vidarbha and some pockets of western Maharashtra ,” the official said, adding conditions now looked worrisome even for the rabi season. “Oilseeds and pulses are expected to be central to the efforts. Crop diversification is particularly important in drought-prone Marathwada, Vidarbha and parts of western Maharashtra where erratic rainfall and declining groundwater levels have repeatedly caused crop losses.