Kharif Sowing Under Threat as Diesel Crunch and Water Shortage Hit Farmers in Maharashtra, Gujarat
As the Kharif sowing season approaches, farmers in Maharashtra and Gujarat are grappling with diesel supply disruptions and water shortages, raising fears of a severe impact on agricultural production this year. Despite repeated assurances from governments and oil companies that fuel stocks are adequate, growers across rural regions continue to face long queues, supply caps, and delays in accessing diesel essential for tractors, irrigation pumps, and transport vehicles.
In Maharashtra, particularly in Marathwada and parts of Pune district, farmers’ organisations have warned that continued disruption in diesel availability during the next 10–15 days could badly affect sowing operations. Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana founder Raju Shetti said the period before monsoon arrival is crucial for land preparation and sowing, and any interruption in fuel supply may lead to major crop losses. Farmer groups have threatened statewide protests if the situation is not resolved quickly.
The crisis has deepened with water scarcity in Pune’s Indapur tehsil, where farmers staged protests against inadequate release of water from the Khadakwasla canal system. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne acknowledged mismanagement by the irrigation department and assured increased water release after meeting protesting farmers.
Meanwhile, in Gujarat, panic buying has led to long lines of tractors at diesel pumps in rural districts such as Porbandar. The state government has imposed a 200-litre cap per farmer to prevent hoarding, requiring proof of land ownership before fuel purchase. Petroleum dealers say there is no actual shortage, but regulated supply and increased seasonal demand have triggered temporary dry-outs at remote outlets.
Farmer leaders warn that rising fuel stress, combined with erratic rainfall concerns, could hurt the upcoming Kharif cycle and agricultural growth across western India.
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