Farmer distress: Unseasonal rain damages over 10 lakh hectares of farmland across Gujarat

Unseasonal rainfall has caused severe distress to farmers across Gujarat as standing crops have been washed away due to waterlogging in fields. Preliminary government estimates suggest that more than 10 lakh hectares of farmland have been affected. Major losses have been reported in crops such as sugarcane, soybean, pigeon pea (tuar), groundnut, and horticultural produce.

Saurashtra is the worst-hit, with at least five districts reporting extensive crop damage. The state government has directed that a loss survey be completed in the next seven days, after which compensation will be determined based on the assessment.

Farmers in Junagadh, Bhavnagar, and Amreli have suffered major losses to groundnut, cotton, and other seasonal crops. In South Gujarat, paddy and betel leaf plantations have been affected, while North Gujarat has also reported significant agricultural damage.

According to the weather department, heavy rainfall is expected to continue in several districts over the next few days.

Cabinet ministers were deputed to visit the affected regions to assess the ground situation. Their reports were tabled in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, following which the state government ordered a detailed crop loss survey. Officials in Gandhinagar are monitoring the situation across districts and talukas through real-time updates.

The government has said that both physical and technology-assisted surveys will be conducted to finalise the damage assessment. Based on the final survey report, a comprehensive relief package will be prepared for affected farmers.