Thu Jul 24 11:11:57 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

Five districts in western Assam, India, have been officially declared drought-hit after experiencing a significant rainfall deficit (40%) during the monsoon season. The decision was made following data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Ground Water Board and a review of rainfall patterns across the state. Farmers with crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will be eligible for compensation. The Assam government is seeking central support from the Union Agriculture Minister, who has agreed to visit the state for assessment. Meghalaya is also facing similar rainfall shortages, even in traditionally wet areas.

**News Article:**

**Drought Declared in Western Assam as Rainfall Deficit Plagues Northeast India**

**Guwahati, July 24, 2025** – The state government of Assam has officially declared five districts in the western part of the state as drought-hit following a severe rainfall deficit during the critical monsoon season. The affected districts are Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, and Kokrajhar.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the declaration after a Cabinet meeting in Dibrugarh on Wednesday, citing data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Ground Water Board indicating a 40% shortfall in rainfall over the past month. The deficient period has coincided with the onset of the monsoon, crucial for agriculture in the region.

“Farmers who have insured their crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will be eligible for compensation,” stated Chief Minister Sarma.

The decision follows a review meeting on July 19th, which classified 27 districts as rainfall deficit zones, with 14 considered to be in the “high rainfall deficit” category. Senior secretaries have been instructed to identify and demarcate affected areas and initiate drought relief measures.

Agriculture Minister Atul Bora met with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi on July 22nd to request central assistance. According to Bora, Chouhan has agreed to visit Assam soon to assess the situation firsthand.

Assam is not alone in facing rainfall shortages. Meghalaya, including traditionally wet areas like Sohra and Mawsynram, has also recorded significantly lower precipitation levels compared to previous years. Sohra received only 1,095.4 mm of rainfall in June 2025, a stark contrast to the 3,041.2 mm recorded in June 2024.

The drought declaration highlights growing concerns about the impact of changing weather patterns on agriculture and livelihoods in Northeast India. The Assam government is working to provide relief and support to affected farmers while seeking assistance from the central government to address the crisis.

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