Drought Displaces Half of Ambesavali Village Residents in Beed
Severe drought in Maharashtra's Beed district forces nearly 50% of Ambesavali's population to migrate for work, following last year's devastating floods.
Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 of 364 talukas, affecting 73% of the state.
Farmers face significant losses, with some reporting up to Rs 2.5 lakh in cultivation costs.
Water shortages are escalating, with tankers supplying 94 villages across four districts.
In a troubling turn of events, nearly half of the residents of Ambesavali village in Maharashtra's Beed district have migrated in search of employment due to an ongoing drought that has crippled agricultural activities. The deputy sarpanch of the village reported that the prolonged dry spell has left farmers and agricultural laborers without any source of income, prompting families to seek work in southern states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
This migration crisis follows closely on the heels of devastating floods that struck the Marathwada region in October 2025, destroying farmland and crops. The current drought, which has affected 265 of Maharashtra's 364 talukas, is being described by farmers as potentially worse than the droughts experienced in 2013-14 and 2015-16. The Maharashtra government has initiated relief measures, including provisions for agricultural loan repayments and the deployment of water tankers to assist affected regions.
Farmers like Dhananjay Gundekar, who also serves as the deputy sarpanch, have expressed deep concern over the situation. With agricultural work dwindling, Gundekar noted that many villagers have left to find jobs that pay between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 a month. He himself would have sought employment had it not been for his responsibilities in the village. The drought has not only impacted farming but has also raised fears of an impending water crisis, with tankers currently supplying water to 94 villages across four districts.
The implications of this drought extend beyond immediate agricultural losses. Many farmers, still reeling from the financial impact of last year's floods, are now facing another season of crop failure. Ganesh Ghodake, a farmer from Kurla village, highlighted that his cotton plants have failed to thrive due to insufficient rainfall, with some farmers reporting that their seeds have not even germinated. The lack of substantial rain has left many villages without adequate water supplies, forcing reliance on tankers during what should be the monsoon season.
Looking ahead, the situation remains precarious for the farmers of Beed and surrounding areas. With debts mounting and the prospect of another failed agricultural season looming, many are left wondering how they will recover from these compounded losses. The government’s response will be crucial in determining the future of these communities as they navigate through this dual crisis of drought and the aftermath of flooding.
