The Gujarat government on 26 October 2026 declared Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Kutch, and Jamnagar districts drought-affected following deficient and delayed rainfall, triggering a relief package that includes crop damage assistance, subsidised fodder, and 150 days of guaranteed rural employment. The measures will come into effect from 1 November 2026.

Key Developments

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the decision at Gandhinagar in the presence of Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani. He said the government had completed all required procedures under the Central government's Drought Assessment Manual, 2016, and conducted high-level consultations before formally declaring the four districts drought-affected.

Although Gujarat received approximately 89 per cent of its average annual rainfall this year, the four districts recorded significantly lower levels, prompting targeted intervention for farmers and livestock breeders in those areas.

Crop and Livestock Assistance

Under the crop aid package, farmers in the affected districts will receive ₹8,500 per hectare under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, capped at a maximum of two hectares per farmer. For livestock, the government will provide ₹80 per animal per day from the SDRF for two months for cattle kept at animal camps in the drought-declared talukas. Chief Minister Patel stated that the state government will bear the cost of continuing this assistance beyond the initial two months.

On fodder, the government has authorised subsidised distribution across Gujarat from June to July 2026, with district collectors empowered to facilitate distribution in specific cases. So far, approximately 1.21 crore kg of fodder has been distributed at ₹2 per kg. The state currently holds 3 crore kg of fodder in reserve, and procurement of additional stocks has begun.

Rural Employment Under VB-G RAM G Scheme

The government has committed to providing 150 days of employment in drought-affected talukas under the VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)) scheme, designed to support rural livelihoods disrupted by crop failure.

Chief Minister Patel said the government had 'anticipated the difficulties arising from delayed rainfall and initiated advance preparations before formally declaring the districts drought-affected.' He added that the administration has 'stood by farmers during difficult times in the past' and remains 'fully committed to providing whatever assistance farmers and livestock breeders may need in any future crisis.'

Irrigation and Water Supply Planning

The government has also outlined its irrigation strategy for the upcoming rabi season. During the current kharif season, irrigation water was supplied to the command areas of 44 dams based on demand. The state's 206 major dams currently hold water at 66 per cent of their total capacity.

For the rabi season, irrigation has been planned for the command areas of 76 dams, spanning 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), and the Kutch region (five dams). An additional 39 dams — including Shetrunji, Brahmani, and Machhu — are also part of the plan.

Drinking water supply has been prioritised, with reserves earmarked for this purpose until 30 June 2027. Depending on water availability, the government plans to provide between one and four irrigation cycles from the identified dams during the rabi season.

What This Means for Affected Districts

This is a significant policy response for a state where agriculture and pastoralism remain central to rural livelihoods in the Saurashtra-Kutch belt. The four districts — particularly Kutch and Devbhumi Dwarka — are historically vulnerable to erratic monsoon patterns. Notably, Gujarat's overall rainfall was near-normal at 89 per cent, making this a geographically concentrated distress rather than a state-wide drought, which shapes the targeted nature of the relief. The relief announcement comes amid broader concerns about rabi crop sowing timelines and water availability for the dry-season crop cycle. How quickly the SDRF disbursements reach farmers and whether the employment scheme achieves its 150-day commitment will be closely watched by agricultural welfare groups in the region.