Gujarat's Swift Response to Unseasonal Rains: A Lifeline for Farmers

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a survey to assess agricultural losses from unseasonal rains affecting over 10 lakh hectares. The state government plans rapid financial assistance, with a combination of technology and physical assessments. A special advisory has been issued to protect remaining crops.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has initiated an urgent survey to evaluate the damage inflicted on farmlands by recent unseasonal rains, cabinet ministers discussed on Wednesday. State Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani disclosed that 239 talukas across 33 districts experienced heavy rainfall between October 23 and 28.

Preliminary information suggests the rain has impacted over 10 lakh hectares of farmland. Vaghani stated that Patel aims to expedite financial assistance to affected farmers by commencing a survey aligned with State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) standards, to be completed within a week.

The government is contemplating additional aid beyond SDRF norms and will utilize the latest technology for prompt aid distribution. An Agro Advisory has been issued for ongoing crop protection, and ministers have been dispatched to affected areas for direct assessment, Patel is closely monitoring the situation from Gandhinagar.