The Rajasthan government has declared 80 tehsils across 14 districts drought-affected, citing deficient rainfall and damage to Kharif crops. Of these, 69 tehsils have been classified as severely affected and 11 as moderately affected. The notification will remain in force for six months, allowing the government to initiate relief measures for farmers and livestock owners.
Jodhpur has the highest number of drought-affected tehsils at 12, followed by Jalore and Barmer, with 10 each. The state government has issued formal notifications based on rainfall conditions and the extent of crop damage.
The declaration will facilitate the opening of fodder depots to support livestock in affected areas. The government has also suspended the recovery of agricultural loans for six months, providing temporary relief to farmers facing crop losses and financial pressure.
The move comes amid a widening drought situation across several agricultural states during the 2026 Kharif season, raising concerns over crop production, rural incomes and livestock management.
Maharashtra has expanded its drought-affected list to 305 talukas out of 358. In Karnataka, nine additional taluks were added to the list on Wednesday, taking the total to 226 out of 240.
Telangana has declared 365 mandals across 31 districts drought-affected, including 111 severely affected and 254 moderately affected mandals. Andhra Pradesh has notified 388 mandals across 21 districts, of which 283 are classified as severely affected and 105 as moderately affected.
In Gujarat, four districts - Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Kutch - have been identified as drought-hit, with the state government announcing relief for farmers.
The growing number of drought-affected administrative areas across these states highlights the mounting pressure on agricultural communities following unfavourable monsoon conditions. Relief measures, including credit-related support, fodder supplies and assistance for crop losses, are becoming increasingly important to protect farm livelihoods and manage rural distress.