The Gujarat government is addressing one of the most significant agricultural crises in recent times as over 21 lakh farmers have sought financial assistance following devastating crop losses due to unseasonal rainfall. The massive response comes after the state administration launched a substantial relief package to support the agricultural community.
Record Applications for Relief Assistance
In an unprecedented show of need, the state government has received more than 21.70 lakh applications from farmers seeking financial compensation for crop damage caused by unexpected October rains. The registration portal, which opened on November 14, has been operational for a 15-day period, allowing affected farmers to submit their claims for assistance.
The staggering numbers were officially confirmed by Jitu Vaghani, the state government's spokesperson and Agriculture Minister, following crucial discussions during the state cabinet meeting held on Tuesday. This overwhelming response highlights the extensive damage suffered by the agricultural sector across Gujarat.
Government Relief Package Implementation
The state administration has announced a comprehensive relief package worth Rs 10,000 crore specifically designed to support farmers who have experienced significant crop losses. According to Minister Vaghani, the application process has already seen remarkable engagement with 27,70,885 applications submitted at the district level within just ten days of the portal's activation.
The government has already begun processing these applications in a systematic, phased manner. Approval has been granted for 1,31,439 applications so far, with the disbursement process initiated in several areas. Minister Vaghani confirmed that the actual transfer of funds to eligible farmers has commenced in multiple locations, bringing much-needed relief to the agricultural community.
Additional Relief for Previous Crop Damage
Beyond the recent October rainfall damage, the government is also addressing earlier agricultural distress. The administration has received over 2.02 lakh applications from farmers across five districts who suffered crop losses due to unseasonal rains during August and September period.
For these earlier incidents, the state government had announced a separate relief package of Rs 1,138 crore, demonstrating its continued commitment to supporting the farming community through multiple challenging weather events. This dual approach ensures comprehensive coverage for farmers affected by unseasonal weather patterns throughout the cropping season.
The coordinated response from the Gujarat government underscores the severity of the agricultural situation while highlighting the administration's proactive measures to mitigate farmer distress through substantial financial support mechanisms.
