Gujarat Government on October 26 declared Devbhumi Dwarka, Kutch, Jamnagar and Porbandar drought-affected after the state received about 89% of its average monsoon rainfall. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, the declaration was made after the completion of the assessment process under the Centre’s Drought Management Manual, 2016, and will remain in force for six months from November 1, according to reports. The four districts experienced a much sharper rainfall deficit than the state average, affecting farming and increasing pressure on water and fodder availability.
Under the relief package, eligible farmers will receive ₹8,500 per hectare for crop losses, subject to a maximum of two hectares, while the state has announced 150 days of rural employment in the affected areas. The government has also stepped up livestock support, with subsidised fodder available at ₹2 per kg. Patel said 1.21 crore kg of fodder had already been distributed, while another 3 crore kg was available for livestock owners.
Severe Regional Deficit
The statewide rainfall figure masks a significant regional disparity. Gujarat received 810.68 mm of rainfall by October 25, equivalent to 89.19% of its average monsoon rainfall, according to State Emergency Operations Centre data reported by The Indian Express.
In contrast, Devbhumi Dwarka received just 6.41% of its average rainfall, followed by Porbandar at 19.12%, Jamnagar at 28.88% and Kutch at 29.29%.
Patel said the drought declaration was made after the monsoon ended and the state completed the process prescribed by the Centre. “The state has received 89 per cent rain this monsoon. However, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Kutch, Jamnagar and Porbandar received very little rain,” he said while announcing the decision.
The government had earlier stressed that rainfall deficiency by itself could not justify a drought declaration, with crop-sown area, vegetation, soil moisture, groundwater and satellite-based assessments also forming part of the evaluation.
Farmers Get Financial Aid
The relief package is aimed at protecting farming households from the economic impact of crop losses. Eligible farmers will receive ₹8,500 per hectare, with assistance capped at two hectares per farmer. The state has also announced 150 days of employment for rural residents in the affected areas to provide an additional source of income during the drought period.
The employment announcement should be distinguished from the national provision under the VB-G RAM G Act, which guarantees up to 125 days of employment to eligible rural households. The 150-day provision announced by Gujarat is a drought-related measure for the affected areas rather than a change to the national statutory guarantee. The state has also announced support for livestock and will continue subsidised fodder distribution at ₹2 per kg in the affected areas.
Fodder, Water Concerns
Patel said the government had already distributed 1.21 crore kg of fodder, with another 3 crore kg in stock for livestock owners. The government has said additional fodder will be arranged if required. Earlier, officials had also authorised district collectors to distribute fodder to cattle-keeping households in rain-deficient areas.
The announcement follows concerns over water availability in parts of Saurashtra and Kutch. State minister Kunvarji Bavaliya said preliminary surveys had been completed in areas affected by deficient rainfall and that the government was providing water and fodder wherever required. At the same time, Gujarat Kisan Congress president Pal Ambaliya alleged that some villages in Devbhumi Dwarka had gone without water for between eight and 28 days, while farmers and villagers were travelling 15–20 km to access fodder. These allegations should be viewed as claims by the farmers’ organisation and have not been independently established in the available reporting.
Preparing For Rabi
The drought declaration also comes as Gujarat prepares for the upcoming rabi agricultural season, raising concerns over irrigation water availability. Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil said Gujarat was seeking additional water from neighbouring states because of the below-normal monsoon. He said the state was prepared to offer electricity generated from the additional water or monetary compensation in exchange for supplies. Discussions were expected with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan over Gujarat’s water requirements.
The government had been preparing for the situation for several weeks. In September, Gujarat told the state Assembly that a drought could not be declared solely on the basis of rainfall deficiency.
Officials said the assessment would consider indicators including rainfall, crop-sown area, vegetation, soil moisture and groundwater levels, followed by satellite/GPS-based ground verification. The state had also increased agricultural power availability and arranged water and fodder supplies in several rainfall-deficient districts.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
A drought declaration is meaningful only when relief reaches the people and livestock facing its consequences. Financial assistance can help farmers recover from crop losses, while employment, water and fodder support can protect rural families from deeper economic distress.
However, transparent implementation, timely payments and regular monitoring will be crucial, particularly as Gujarat enters the rabi season with concerns over irrigation water. Listening to farmers and responding quickly to genuine gaps in delivery can make relief more effective and equitable. Do you think the measures announced by Gujarat are enough to protect drought-affected farmers and livestock owners in the coming months?
Also Read: Telangana: Hyderabad Water Board Reportedly Declares Emergency Over Acute Water Shortage
