Maharashtra Drought: Beyond failed crops, a livelihood crisis grips Marathwada

Maharashtra’s drought is not just destroying crops. It is also wiping out livelihoods across Marathwada, leaving landless farm labourers struggling to find work and earn a daily wage. Meet 38-year-old Naimuddin Sheikh from Latur, whose family depends on farm work but now faces collapsing incomes. With water supplies dwindling and employment drying up, sugarcane workers are migrating weeks ahead of their usual schedule. The state government has announced over ₹6,000 crore for rural employment projects, including pond and well repairs. But will a few days of work be enough to ease their distress?