NORTH ANDOVER — With much of the state locked in a severe drought, Governor Charlie Baker urged the public on Thursday to restrict water use as officials extended support to farmers whose crops have been damaged by the withering conditions. Massachusetts is facing its worst drought in more than a decade, and areas of “extreme drought” have extended across the northeast part of the state, according to the US Drought Monitor’s latest report, released Thursday. Before last week, officials had not declared an extreme drought in Massachusetts since the Drought Monitor began its surveys in 1999. The extreme conditions have damaged the state’s agriculture and overall economy and require a broad, collective response, Baker said. “This is a really big issue and this is a really big deal,” said Baker, standing in front of a strawberry field that has been stunted by the lack of rainfall. “Minimize your water usage both inside and outside your home. You can eliminate or limit watering your lawns, you can eliminate or limit washing your car.” With the drought showing little sign of relenting, state officials are working to develop an emergency loan program to help affected farms and small businesses. “All of us know the importance of farming in Massachusetts in terms of our food supply,” said Jay Ash,…