📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Agriculture
Cabinet Approves Two Drought Assistance Instalments, Announces New Measures to Combat Drought
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 02 Oct 2026, 06:32 AM
👁 16
The Union Cabinet approved the release of two instalments of Drought Assistance and outlined additional steps to mitigate the ongoing drought across affected regions.
New Delhi: In a cabinet meeting held on Monday, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for the disbursement of two instalments of Drought Assistance (DA) aimed at supporting states grappling with severe water shortages. The decision signals the government's intent to channel relief funds promptly to the most affected regions.
The approved instalments will be released in phases, allowing states to plan and execute drought‑relief projects with greater financial certainty. While the exact quantum was not disclosed, the two‑installment approach is intended to ensure a steady flow of resources.
Alongside the funding, the cabinet outlined a set of measures to address the drought, including promotion of water‑conservation practices, augmentation of irrigation infrastructure, and enhanced support for farmers facing crop losses. Officials said the measures will be coordinated with state governments to maximize impact.
The move comes as several parts of the country continue to experience below‑normal rainfall, prompting concerns over agricultural output and rural livelihoods. The cabinet emphasized that timely implementation of both the financial assistance and the accompanying measures is critical to averting a deeper crisis.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare will monitor the rollout and provide periodic updates on the utilisation of the assistance and the effectiveness of the drought‑mitigation strategies.
The approved instalments will be released in phases, allowing states to plan and execute drought‑relief projects with greater financial certainty. While the exact quantum was not disclosed, the two‑installment approach is intended to ensure a steady flow of resources.
Alongside the funding, the cabinet outlined a set of measures to address the drought, including promotion of water‑conservation practices, augmentation of irrigation infrastructure, and enhanced support for farmers facing crop losses. Officials said the measures will be coordinated with state governments to maximize impact.
The move comes as several parts of the country continue to experience below‑normal rainfall, prompting concerns over agricultural output and rural livelihoods. The cabinet emphasized that timely implementation of both the financial assistance and the accompanying measures is critical to averting a deeper crisis.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare will monitor the rollout and provide periodic updates on the utilisation of the assistance and the effectiveness of the drought‑mitigation strategies.