Gujarat declares four districts drought-affected, announces relief

Gujarat has declared Devbhumi Dwarka, Kutch, Jamnagar and Porbandar drought-affected, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announcing crop-loss assistance and other support for farmers, livestock owners and rural residents. The decision followed low rainfall in the four districts, even though the state received about 89% of its average monsoon rainfall overall. Patel said eligible farmers whose crops failed would receive ₹8,500 per hectare under the State Disaster Response Fund, capped at two hectares per farmer. The declaration was made under the Centre’s 2016 drought guidelines after the monsoon ended, Patel said. One report said it would remain in force for six months from November 1. The state also announced 150 days of employment in the drought-affected areas, starting November 1, 2026, Patel said. The measure is intended to provide additional work to residents in the affected areas; it is a state drought-relief announcement, not a change to the national employment guarantee. For livestock owners, subsidised fodder is being sold at ₹2 per kilogram. Patel said 1.21 crore kilograms had been distributed and that 3 crore kilograms were in stock. The government also announced...