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

Gujarat has declared Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Kutch as drought-affected districts following a significant rainfall deficit, announcing financial assistance for farmers, subsidised fodder for livestock and additional employment opportunities in affected areas. The relief measures will take effect from November 1, 2026.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the decision in Gandhinagar on Monday in the presence of Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani. He said the state had received around 89% of its seasonal rainfall overall, but the four districts had experienced substantially lower precipitation, affecting agricultural activities and farmers’ livelihoods.

According to official figures, as of October 15, rainfall in Devbhumi Dwarka was 83.5% below its 30-year average. The deficits in Porbandar, Jamnagar and Kutch stood at 69.1%, 56.7% and 42.4%, respectively.

Patel said the government had followed the procedures prescribed under the Centre’s Drought Manual Guidelines, 2016, before declaring the districts drought-affected.

Under the relief package, farmers will receive compensation for crop losses at Rs 8,500 per hectare, subject to a maximum of two hectares, under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms.

For livestock protection, assistance of Rs 80 per animal per day will be provided for two months for animals kept in cattle camps in drought-declared talukas. The state government will subsequently bear the cost of continuing this support, according to the official announcement.

The government has distributed around 1.21 crore kg of fodder across Gujarat at a subsidised rate of Rs 2 per kg. With another three crore kg in stock, the state has also initiated procurement of additional supplies. Subsidised fodder distribution had been approved across the state from June-July 2026, even before the drought declaration.

To support rural livelihoods, the government will provide 150 days of employment under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM-G Yojana, in drought-affected talukas.

Water management is another priority. Gujarat’s 206 major dams have recorded 66% storage. The government plans to supply irrigation water to the command areas of 76 dams during the upcoming rabi season, while prioritising drinking water requirements through June 30, 2027. Depending on water availability, irrigation supplies will be released in one to four rotations across the designated command areas.