India's central government to dispatch assessment teams to drought-hit Karnataka and Maharashtra

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan revealed that the Centre will deploy assessment teams to Karnataka and Maharashtra on October 3 to monitor the worsening drought situation. Maharashtra has formally declared a drought, with about two-thirds of the state under stress, while Karnataka faces similar shortages. The central government emphasized the need for states to compile water budgets before finalising Rabi crop plans, recommending crops like pulses and oilseeds in water-scarce areas.

Officials also highlighted the risk to one outlet Kharif harvest in drought-affected regions, urging farmers to choose varieties suited to low soil moisture. Weekly monitoring of sowing, germination, and pest outbreaks will continue to inform timely interventions.