Rajasthan Declares 80 Tehsils Drought-Hit Across 14 Districts as Crop Losses Mount

October 26, 2026

Jaipur: Rajasthan has declared 80 tehsils across 14 districts drought-affected following deficient monsoon rainfall and damage to standing crops. The affected areas include parts of Jodhpur, Jalore, Barmer, Balotra, Pali, Dungarpur, Jaisalmer and several other districts.

According to a state government notification issued on Sunday, the affected tehsils have been classified as severely or moderately drought-hit. The declaration comes amid growing concerns over agricultural losses, water shortages and the availability of fodder for livestock.

Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg said drought-like conditions had developed in several parts of the state, prompting the government to take steps to support affected communities. He said fodder depots would be established in the affected areas and assistance would be extended to farmers and livestock owners. Garg also confirmed that 10 tehsils in Jalore district had been declared drought-affected.

Jodhpur, Jalore Among Districts With Most Affected Tehsils

Jodhpur has the highest number of drought-affected tehsils at 12, followed by Jalore and Barmer with 10 each. Balotra has nine affected tehsils, while Pali has eight.

The district-wise distribution is as follows:

• Jodhpur: 12 tehsils
• Jalore: 10 tehsils
• Barmer: 10 tehsils
• Balotra: 9 tehsils
• Pali: 8 tehsils
• Dungarpur: 7 tehsils
• Jaisalmer: 7 tehsils
• Phalodi: 7 tehsils
• Banswara: 3 tehsils
• Beawar: 2 tehsils
• Churu: 2 tehsils
• Bikaner: 2 tehsils
• Nagaur: 1 tehsil
• Sirohi: 1 tehsil

The notification brings the affected areas under applicable drought-related provisions for six months from the date of publication, according to the supplied details.

The Disaster Management and Relief Department issued the notification after assessing factors including rainfall deficiency, groundwater levels, surface water availability and crop losses. The declaration is expected to help district administrations initiate relief and support measures under the applicable government provisions.

Pali Records 58% Rainfall Deficit, Jalore 50%

Several districts have recorded substantial shortfalls in monsoon rainfall compared with normal levels. Pali reported a deficit of 58 per cent, the highest among the districts listed in the report, followed by Jaisalmer at 54 per cent and Jalore at 50 per cent.

The reported rainfall deficits in other districts include:

• Banswara: 39 per cent
• Sirohi: 36 per cent
• Balotra: 28 per cent
• Jodhpur: 27 per cent
• Dungarpur: 24 per cent

The rainfall shortage has affected farming activities, with standing crops reportedly withering due to insufficient moisture. The damage has raised concerns about farmers’ livelihoods and the availability of water for both agriculture and livestock.

Government Plans Fodder and Water Relief Measures

The drought declaration is expected to facilitate administrative action in the affected tehsils, including arrangements for livestock fodder and water and other assistance permitted under government provisions.

The proposed fodder depots are intended to help livestock owners facing shortages. Farmers in the affected areas are also looking to the authorities for support as they deal with crop losses and the impact of deficient rainfall.

District administrations are expected to take the necessary steps in line with the drought notification and the applicable relief provisions.