Mumbai, Oct. 14 -- In a major financial relief for the state's agriculture sector, the Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday announced an immediate direct cash assistance of Rs 5,000 per head to farmers affected by drought-like conditions across the state.

Announcing the decision after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the key measure aims to cushion farmers facing severe economic distress due to extensive Kharif crop losses caused by rainfall deficits. The sanctioned amount will be directly credited into the bank accounts of farmers before the upcoming festival of Diwali, providing much-needed financial support to the agrarian community.

In the same meeting, the state cabinet unanimously passed a special resolution ho...