Gujarat Declares Drought in Four Districts, Announces Aid for Farmers

The government of Gujarat has officially designated four districts as drought-affected due to insufficient rainfall, despite the state receiving nearly average precipitation overall this year. The affected areas include Kutch, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Porbandar. In response, the state announced a relief package aimed at helping farmers recover from crop losses, supporting cattle owners, and expanding rural employment opportunities.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the drought declaration on Monday after a high-level review meeting held in Gandhinagar. He explained that while Gujarat recorded 810 millimeters of rainfall until October 26, which is about 89 percent of its average, these four districts experienced significantly lower rainfall, leading to adverse agricultural conditions.

Comparing this season's rainfall to last year's 996 millimeters for the same period, the state noted a 19 percent deficit overall. This shortfall has been particularly severe in the specified districts, compelling the government to step in with targeted assistance.

Under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), farmers in the drought-hit regions will receive financial aid of ₹8,500 per hectare for damaged crops. The support is available for up to two hectares per farmer, aiming to provide immediate relief to those who have suffered losses due to the inadequate monsoon.

Beyond crop compensation, the government is addressing the needs of livestock owners. Cattle residing in relief camps within these districts will get ₹80 per animal per day for a period of two months. This measure is designed to help maintain animal health and sustain farmers' livelihoods during the drought conditions.

Fodder availability has also been prioritized. The state has already distributed 1.21 crore kilograms of subsidized fodder at ₹2 per kilogram since June-July 2026. Additionally, Gujarat maintains a stockpile of three crore kilograms of fodder, with plans to procure more if necessary to meet demand as the drought situation evolves.

To further support rural households affected by the drought, the government will provide 150 days of employment starting November 1 under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G). This program aims to supplement incomes and mitigate the economic impact of crop failures in the affected areas.

The drought declaration highlights the uneven distribution of monsoon rains across Gujarat, which has posed challenges for agriculture and livestock management. While the overall rainfall figures for the state are close to average, localized deficits have caused significant strain in certain districts.

Water management remains a critical concern. Gujarat's 206 major dams currently hold about 66 percent of their total storage capacity. The government has outlined plans to supply irrigation water to command areas linked to 76 dams during the upcoming Rabi cropping season. Priority is being given to drinking water requirements, with reserves maintained to support potable water needs until June 30, 2027.

Irrigation water distribution will come from multiple dams across the state, including 11 in Northern Gujarat such as Dharoi and Dantiwada, 12 in Central Gujarat including Karjan and Panam, and nine in South Gujarat like Ukai, Kakrapar, and Damanganga. In the Kutch region, water will be supplied from five dams including Shetrunji and Machchhu. The number of irrigation rotations will vary between one and four, depending on available water volumes.

This drought announcement follows similar declarations by neighboring states such as Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, reflecting a broader regional challenge related to monsoon variability and water resource management. The Gujarat government’s multifaceted relief package seeks to address immediate agricultural losses while also supporting rural livelihoods and ensuring adequate water supply for drinking and irrigation.