NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has decided to enhance the ex gratia assistance provided for crop loss, bringing major relief to farmers.
According to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approval has been granted to provide ex gratia assistance at the rate of Rs 75,000 per hectare to farmers affected by heavy rainfall and waterlogging in agricultural fields during August-September 2025.
The chief minister said that the move will directly benefit around 10,000 farmers in the capital whose crops were severely affected due to continuous heavy rainfall last year and waterlogging in fields caused by the overflowing of natural drains. She stated that a total agricultural area of 10,977.44 acres was affected.
In 2015 the then government had made a provision to provide ex gratia assistance at the rate of Rs 20,000 per acre in cases of crop loss due to rainfall. This amount is approximately Rs 49,421 per hectare. Now, keeping in view the increase in agricultural costs over a period of more than ten years, the present government has increased the rate of assistance to Rs 75,000 per hectare. As a result, farmers will receive significantly higher assistance than before.
According to the CM, this assistance will be provided to recorded landowners. Land owned by companies, land vested in Gram Sabhas, and farmhouse plots enclosed by permanent boundary walls will not be covered under this assistance.
She said that a detailed assessment conducted by the revenue department found that crops suffered extensive damage, and crop loss was assessed at 100%. In view of this, the Cabinet has decided to provide ex gratia assistance at the full rate of Rs 75,000 per hectare to affected farmers. Under the earlier arrangement, assistance was provided in proportion to crop loss up to 70%.
Gupta said that the government accords the highest priority to farmers’ hard work, livelihood and agricultural security. When crops are affected due to natural disasters, excessive rainfall or other adverse circumstances, it is the responsibility of the government to stand firmly with farmers and provide them timely financial assistance.