The Gujarat government has declared four districts — Kutch, Jamnagar, Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka — drought-affected following deficient rainfall, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced on Monday.

Although Gujarat received 89% of its average rainfall this monsoon, the four districts recorded significantly lower precipitation, prompting the government to initiate relief measures for farmers and cattle herders.

Patel said the decision was taken after a high-level meeting and the completion of the required procedures under the Government of India’s 2016 Drought Manual. An official notification is expected in the coming days, following which relief operations will begin.

What Relief Will Farmers and Cattle Herders Receive?

The proposed relief measures are aimed at addressing crop losses, water shortages and the rising difficulty of maintaining livestock in the affected districts.

The assistance is expected to include:

> Farmers to Get ₹8,500 Per Hectare in Crop-Loss Assistance:

Under the relief package, farmers in the four drought-affected districts will receive crop-loss assistance of ₹8,500 per hectare, subject to a maximum of two hectares, in accordance with State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms.

The government has also decided to provide 150 person-days of employment to rural residents in the drought-affected areas under the V.B.G. Ram G. scheme.

These measures are intended to support farming households affected by inadequate rainfall and provide additional employment opportunities during the difficult period.

>₹2 Per Kg Fodder Distribution, 3 Crore Kg in Stock:

Anticipating a delayed monsoon, the state government began distributing fodder at subsidised rates across Gujarat in June-July 2026, even before formally declaring any districts drought-affected.

So far, 1.21 crore kg of fodder has been distributed at ₹2 per kg. The government currently has a stock of 3 crore kg and has begun the process of procuring additional fodder.

District Collectors were authorised to oversee subsidised fodder distribution as part of the government's early intervention to support farmers and cattle herders.

> Cattle Camps to Receive ₹80 Per Animal Per Day:

The government has announced assistance of ₹80 per animal per day for livestock housed in cattle camps in the drought-affected areas. The assistance will be provided for two months through the SDRF.

The Chief Minister said the government would continue to support farmers and animal herders during the crisis and remain committed to extending assistance during future emergencies.

> Gujarat Plans Irrigation Water Supply From 76 Dams:

Alongside the drought-relief measures, the state government has outlined plans to supply irrigation water during the upcoming Rabi season.

During the Kharif season, water was supplied to the command areas of 44 dams based on demand. The state's 206 major dams currently have a combined water-storage level of 66%.

For the Rabi season, the government plans to provide irrigation water to the command areas of 76 dams, while prioritising drinking-water requirements and reserving supplies for this purpose until June 30, 2027.

The planned irrigation arrangements cover several regions:

• North Gujarat: 11 dams, including Dharoi and Dantiwada.
• Central Gujarat: 12 dams, including Karjan and Panam.
• South Gujarat: Nine dams, including Ukai-Kakrapar and Damanganga.
• Saurashtra: 39 dams, including Shetrunji, Brahmani and Machhu.
• Kutch: Five dams.

Depending on water availability, farmers in the command areas are expected to receive between one and four rounds of irrigation.

Relief Measures to Take Effect From November 1

The announced decisions will take effect from November 1, 2026. The government said the measures reflect its commitment to supporting farmers and cattle herders affected by rainfall shortages.

The assistance will cover crop losses, livestock maintenance and rural employment, while planned irrigation supplies are expected to support agricultural activity during the Rabi season.