India, Sept. 19 -- While the official panchnama of crop damage is yet to be carried out, agriculture department officials estimate at least 25% of the standing crops in eight districts of Marathwada to have been damaged due to a prolonged dry spell.

"Although the official panchnama of crop damage is yet to be carried out, our assessment is that over 25% of the standing crops have wilted as there has been no rain in the region for the last 45 days. A sizeable section of farmers is under stress due to crop failure," officials said.

Marathwada received 424.5 mm of rainfall between June and September so far, which is 69.2% of the average 679.5 mm rainfall recorded in these four months. Last year, Marathwada received 119% of its average rain...