The Gujarat government has announced a Rs 10,000 crore compensation package to support farmers whose crops were damaged due to unseasonal rainfall across the state. Heavy rains over the past few weeks affected all 33 districts, causing widespread losses during a crucial harvest period. A government survey revealed crop damage across more than 44 lakh hectares in 16,500 villages within 251 talukas.
Under the scheme, each affected farmer will receive Rs 22,000 per hectare, capped at two hectares (i.e., a maximum of Rs 44,000 per farmer). The compensation covers both irrigated and non-irrigated crops, including grains, pulses, oilseeds and cotton. Despite provisions for varying degrees of crop damage compensation, the state govt has opted for a uniform package for all affected farmers. This is claimed to be the biggest compensation package announced in Gujarat for crop damage.
Announcing the package, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel posted on X, “Considering the extensive crop damage statewide, I am announcing a relief package of approximately Rs 10,000 crore for the farmers. The state government is dedicated to the economic well-being of farmers.”
The state government also announced that from 9 November it will begin purchasing affected crops worth around Rs 15,000 crore at minimum support prices to help stabilise farmer incomes. The government surveyed across affected areas to assess losses and additional farmers who might have been missed in the initial survey will also be eligible.
Farmer groups and opposition parties welcomed the announcement but cautioned that the losses may exceed the announced compensation. State Congress Chief Amit Chavda demanded loan waivers for farmers. Congress initiated its 18-day Kisan Akrosh Yatra on November 6 from Somnath Temple, traversing 11 districts to Dwarka by November 23, demanding loan waivers, MSP guarantees, and enhanced protections against policy failures and debts. Farmer organisations have also demanded that compensation disbursal be completed on priority to avoid delays in upcoming rabi sowing.