Maharashtra is facing a drought-like situation as the monsoon deficit widens due to a prolonged dry spell. Water levels in the state's dams are down 20% compared to last year, and 194 out of 358 tehsils are facing drought. The state agriculture minister has indicated that if the dry spell continues, the government will declare a drought on a district-wise basis. The lack of rainfall has also affected crop production, with decreases expected in pearl millet, sorghum, soybean, cotton, and groundnut.