India, Sept. 29 -- By P Madhu Kumar

New Delhi [India], September 29 (ANI): Maharashtra's declaration of drought across 265 of its 358 taluks, covering roughly 74 per cent of the state's agricultural land, is expected to put pressure on crop production, food supplies and rural incomes, with experts warning that the impact could extend beyond the state to national markets.

Agriculture economist G Chandrashekhar said Maharashtra's rainfall deficiency and drought-like conditions could significantly affect the state's Kharif output and, in turn, pull down national production of several key commodities.

"Maharashtra which is a significant contributor to our Kharif agriculture basket, this year is facing drought like condition and therefore i...