Maharashtra drought relief: ₹5,000 advance for 1.5 crore farmers before Diwali

Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved an advance of ₹5,000 each for about 1.5 crore farmers in drought-hit talukas on 27 October 2026. Total cost comes to about ₹7,500 crore.

Farmers with crop loss above 33% are covered. Money goes by DBT to bank accounts before Diwali, and Fadnavis told officials to get it into accounts within the week. Banks will be told not to deduct any loan dues from it.

This is only an advance. Rest of the compensation comes after the drought damage survey. The state also said a list of 3.5 lakh farmers for the Maharashtra loan waiver is final and now being processed.