Farmers protest across Gujarat over crop losses from unseasonal rains

Widespread farmer protests erupted across Gujarat on Saturday as cultivators expressed anger over the state government’s inaction following severe crop damage caused by unseasonal rains.

In Sihor, Bhavnagar, farmers burned their damaged groundnut crops in the fields, performing a symbolic havan (sacred fire ceremony) to pray for wisdom for the government. 

In Amreli, aggrieved farmers gathered outside the Mamlatdar’s office, broke earthen pots in protest, and accused the government of offering just ₹12,000 in aid, which they said was insufficient even to clear their fields. 

Farmers from several villages, including Savar Kundla, Khambha, Dadhiyali, Bhavardi, and Jamka (Gir), have boycotted the government’s digital crop-loss survey, demanding direct compensation in bank accounts.

In Gandhinagar, farmers submitted a memorandum to the district collector and beat drums to ‘wake up’ the administration. They also voiced concern over a shortage of fodder for livestock.

Meanwhile, in Talala taluka, farmers from Panikotha, Valadar, and Javantri Gir villages held a joint meeting and demanded a complete waiver of crop loans, saying groundnut, soybean, and pulse crops had been destroyed.