The Delhi cabinet has approved a significant increase in compensation for crop losses caused by heavy rainfall and waterlogging. The ex gratia assistance has been raised from approximately Rs 49,421 per hectare to Rs 75,000 per hectare, marking a roughly 50% hike. This enhanced package is expected to benefit nearly 10,000 farmers whose crops were damaged during August and September of the previous year.
Chief Minister's Announcement
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the decision was taken in view of extensive crop losses caused by continuous rainfall and the overflow of natural drains, which led to severe waterlogging in agricultural fields. In a post on social media platform X, she said, "Farmers who suffered crop damage due to excessive rainfall in Aug-Sept 2025 will now receive compensation of Rs 75,000 per hectare. Delhi govt stands with food producers."
Farming in Delhi
Despite being highly urbanised, Delhi has a farming sector concentrated mainly in its rural outskirts and along the Yamuna floodplain. The gross cropped area has risen from 33,069 hectares in 2023-24 to 47,040 hectares in 2025-26. Farmers cultivate paddy, maize, bajra and fodder crops during the Kharif season, and wheat, mustard, barley and gram during Rabi. Vegetables are grown throughout the year.
Survey and Revised Rates
A survey conducted by the revenue department found that crops suffered complete damage in around 4,442 hectares of land. Under provisions introduced in 2015, farmers were eligible for Rs 49,421 per hectare. The revised rate factors in the rise in cultivation costs over the past decade and is intended to provide higher financial support to affected farmers, according to the chief minister's office.
Eligibility and Exclusions
The government clarified that assistance will be provided only to recorded landowners. Land owned by companies, Gram Sabha land, and farmhouse plots enclosed by permanent boundary walls will not be eligible for compensation. The chief minister said, "This assistance will provide immediate relief and help farmers prepare for the next sowing season without disrupting agricultural activity."
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