Gujarat Government Announces Special Agricultural Relief Package in Wake of Heavy Rains

“Aid for Farmers Affected by Recent Floods in Bharuch, Narmada, and Vadodara Districts”

In a compassionate response to the significant damage caused by heavy rains and flooding in Bharuch, Narmada, and Vadodara districts between September 16 and 18, the Gujarat state government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has unveiled a special agricultural relief package for affected farmers.

The unrelenting rainfall, combined with the swelling Narmada River, wreaked havoc on agricultural and horticultural crops in these regions. Preliminary assessments by district administrations highlighted the extent of the losses, prompting the state government to step in with financial support.

Key Pointers:

• The relief package aims to assist farmers in the affected villages who have incurred a 33% or higher loss in agricultural and horticultural crops, as declared by district authorities.
• Under this package, designed by the State Agriculture Department in consultation with Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel and under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s guidance, the following assistance will be provided:
  • ₹8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated agricultural crops in the Kharif 2023-24 season, within a maximum limit of two hectares.
  • ₹25,000 per hectare for irrigated agricultural crops and rainfed horticulture crops in the Kharif season, including ₹17,000 from SDRF and ₹8,000 from the state fund, subject to a maximum limit of two hectares per hectare.
  • ₹37,500 per hectare for perennial horticultural crops, comprising ₹22,500 from SDRF and ₹15,000 from state funds, within a maximum limit of two hectares.
  • An additional ₹1,02,500 per hectare from the state fund for the uprooting, falling, or breaking of 33% or more trees of perennial horticultural crops, resulting in a total assistance of ₹1,25,000 per hectare within a maximum limit of two hectares.
• Farmers seeking this assistance package must apply online through the Digital Gujarat portal, with applications facilitated by VCE or VLE. No fees are associated with the application process.
• Applications must be submitted via the Digital Gujarat portal by October 31, 2023.
• All financial assistance, including the special agricultural relief package and ancillary payments, will be disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

This timely initiative by the Gujarat government reflects its commitment to supporting farmers during challenging times, providing much-needed relief to those grappling with crop losses due to the recent natural calamity.