Gujarat declares four districts drought-hit, announces crop-loss aid for farmers

The Gujarat government on Monday declared four districts of the state --- Kutch, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka and Porbandar --- as drought-hit and simultaneously also announced crop-loss assistance for farmers, cattle support and additional employment in the affected districts.

“Despite 89 per cent average rainfall in the state, rainfall has been inadequate in Devbhoomi Dwarka, Porbandar, Kutch and Jamnagar,” Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel told reporters in Gandhinagar on Monday after a high-level meeting.

The announcement from Gujarat follows similar drought declarations by the governments of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Compared to 996 mm rainfall Gujarat received till October 26 last year, the state received 810 mm which is 19 percent less.

“To help farmers suffering crop losses in these districts, the state government has decided to provide assistance under SDRF for the affected crops,” Patel said. Under the relief package, farmers will receive ₹8,500 per hectare for affected crops, subject to a maximum of two hectares.

The assistance will be provided under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), the chief minister said. The government has also announced measures to support livestock owners, including financial assistance for cattle kept in relief camps.

Cattle in the four drought-hit districts will receive ₹80 per animal per day for two months. Fodder availability is another focus of the relief measures. Patel said the state government had authorised the distribution of subsidised fodder from June-July 2026, with 1.21 crore kg already distributed at ₹2 per kg.

The government currently has a stock of 3 crore kg of fodder and has made provisions for additional supplies if required, he said. The state has also decided to expand employment support in the affected districts to help rural households cope with the impact of crop losses.

Under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) scheme, 150 days of employment will be provided from November 1, Patel said. The drought declaration highlights the uneven distribution of rainfall across Gujarat this monsoon.

While the state’s aggregate rainfall has remained close to its average, the four districts have experienced inadequate precipitation, affecting agricultural activity and raising concerns over the livelihood of farmers and livestock owners.

The relief package combines direct assistance for crop losses with measures aimed at protecting livestock and supporting rural incomes. The government has also indicated that it is prepared to arrange additional fodder supplies depending on requirements in the affected areas.

This year, the 206 major dams in the state have recorded a 66 percent water storage. The state government has planned to supply irrigation water to command areas of 76 dams during the upcoming Rabi season. At the same time, prioerity has been given to drinking water with reserves maintaned to meet drinking water needs until June 30, 2027, the government later stated in an official release.

Under this plan, irrigation water will be supplied from 11 dams, including Dharoi and Dantiwada in Nother Gujarat, 12 dams including Karjan and Panam in Central Gujarat, nine dams including Ukai, Kakrapar and Damanganga in in South Gujarat, 39 dams including Shetrunji, Brahmani, Machchhu, and five dams in Kutch region.

Depending on water availability, irrigation water will be supplied in one to four rotations, the release added.