India, Oct. 14 -- The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved adding 40 more talukas to the drought-hit list, taking their number to 305, and Rs.5,000 advance to each farmer before Diwali as a relief measure, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday. The state has 358 talukas.

"Drought was announced in 265 talukas. But there were demands from various areas to include their talukas on the drought-hit list. So the state Cabinet, after reviewing reports, decided to add 40 more talukas to the list," Fadnavis said after the Cabinet meeting.

Fadnavis cited the drought situation and said each farmer will get an advance of Rs.5,000 into their bank accounts before Diwali. The government is implementing a farm loan waiver scheme. It has direct...