Gujarat Declares Four Districts Drought-Hit and Announces Farm Relief

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

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel told reporters in Gandhinagar after a high-level meeting that rainfall had been inadequate in the four districts even though the state as a whole recorded 89 percent average rainfall.

"Despite 89 per cent average rainfall in the state, rainfall has been inadequate in Devbhoomi Dwarka, Porbandar, Kutch and Jamnagar," Patel said, according to The Hindu BusinessLine.

Compared with the 996 mm of rainfall Gujarat received till October 26 last year, the state received 810 mm this year, which is 19 percent less.

Help for farmers with damaged crops

Farmers will receive 8,500 rupees per hectare for affected crops, subject to a maximum of two hectares, under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

"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.

Cattle support and extra work

Cattle in the four drought-hit districts will receive 80 rupees per animal per day for two months at relief camps.

The state has distributed 1.21 crore kilograms of subsidised fodder at 2 rupees per kilogram since June-July 2026 and currently holds a stock of 3 crore kilograms, with provisions for additional supplies if required.

Under the VB-G RAM G scheme, 150 days of employment will be provided from November 1 in the affected districts.

The water position

The state's 206 major dams have recorded 66 percent water storage. Irrigation water will be supplied to the command areas of 76 dams in the Rabi season, and drinking water reserves are planned to meet needs until June 30, 2027, according to an official release cited by BusinessLine.

The Gujarat announcement follows similar drought declarations by the governments of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. NationPress independently reported the same four districts and the same relief figures: 8,500 rupees per hectare capped at two hectares, 80 rupees per animal per day for up to two months, 150 person-days of employment under VB-G RAM G, and 1.21 crore kilograms of fodder distributed at 2 rupees per kilogram.

For farmers in the four districts, the declaration sets out the assistance on paper: money for crop losses, daily support for cattle at relief camps, subsidised fodder from state stocks, and 150 days of work from November 1. The official release also sets out the water plan for the months ahead, with dam storage at 66 percent and drinking water reserves planned to last until June 30, 2027.