📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Pritesh Bhatt
Agriculture
Drought-like conditions grip Saurashtra, Kutch as 52 talukas seek farmer relief
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 02 Sep 2026, 05:37 PM
👁 5
Severe water scarcity in Gujarat’s Saurashtra and Kutch regions has left about 52 talukas facing drought-like conditions, prompting the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress to demand relief measures for farmers.
Water scarcity has intensified across Gujarat’s western Saurashtra and the arid Kutch belt, with roughly 52 talukas now reporting conditions akin to a drought. The prolonged shortfall in rainfall has depleted groundwater levels and left many farms without adequate irrigation.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party and the Indian National Congress have jointly appealed to the state government, urging the introduction of immediate relief measures for the affected farming community. Their demand includes financial assistance and steps to augment water supply, though specific schemes were not detailed.
Agricultural output in the region is expected to suffer as sowing and crop maintenance become increasingly difficult. Farmers, already grappling with rising input costs, fear significant yield losses and heightened indebtedness if the situation persists.
State officials have acknowledged the severity of the crisis and indicated that monitoring mechanisms are in place, but concrete policy actions remain pending as stakeholders await a coordinated response.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party and the Indian National Congress have jointly appealed to the state government, urging the introduction of immediate relief measures for the affected farming community. Their demand includes financial assistance and steps to augment water supply, though specific schemes were not detailed.
Agricultural output in the region is expected to suffer as sowing and crop maintenance become increasingly difficult. Farmers, already grappling with rising input costs, fear significant yield losses and heightened indebtedness if the situation persists.
State officials have acknowledged the severity of the crisis and indicated that monitoring mechanisms are in place, but concrete policy actions remain pending as stakeholders await a coordinated response.