Gujarat Declares Four Districts Drought-Hit, Announces Relief for Farmers

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has declared Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar and Porbandar districts drought-affected and announced a relief package for farmers and cattle rearers following a review of rainfall and drought conditions after the monsoon season.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the decision at a press conference attended by Cabinet Minister Jitu Vaghani. He said Gujarat received 89% of its average rainfall this year, but the four districts faced significant rainfall deficits, necessitating targeted relief measures.

The decision was taken following high-level review meetings in accordance with the Central government’s Manual for Drought Management, 2016.

Under the relief package, eligible farmers in the drought-affected districts will receive financial assistance of ₹8,500 per hectare for crop losses under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, subject to a maximum limit of two hectares.

Gujarat Declares Four Districts Drought-Hit, Announces Relief for Farmers
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Regarding fodder arrangements for livestock, the Chief Minister said the State Government had taken advance measures to support farmers and livestock rearers in view of the delayed rainfall. Even before the declaration of drought, approval had been granted to distribute fodder at subsidised rates across the state from June–July 2026. District Collectors had also been given special powers to arrange fodder distribution in exceptional cases.

Livestock kept at cattle camps in drought-declared talukas will receive assistance of ₹80 per animal per day for two months through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Thereafter, the State Government will bear the cost of the assistance in the larger interest of livestock rearers.

So far, around 1.21 crore kilograms of fodder have been distributed across the state at a subsidised rate of ₹2 per kilogram. The State Government currently has a stock of 3 crore kilograms of fodder and has initiated the process of procuring additional supplies.

The Chief Minister also announced that drought-affected talukas would receive 150 days of employment under the VB-G RAM-G Yojana to ensure livelihood opportunities for rural residents. These decisions will come into effect from November 1, 2026.

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