Gandhinagar, Aug 28 - Farmers in Gujarat have a reason to smile. After living in fear of drought for a month, they would now be able to sow their fields -- thanks to the rainfall in the state Thursday and Friday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall Thursday and Friday hit Gujarat which was under the shadow of drought. Eleven of the state's 26 districts had received 40 percent less rainfall till July 27.

An official of the state agriculture department said the spell of rainfall in most parts of the state has raised hopes of farmers who may start a fresh round of sowing soon in their fields.

Maximum rainfall measuring five inches was recorded in Kawat region of Vadodara district Thursday. The entire north and central Gujarat which were worst affected by delayed monsoon showers received heavy downpour.

The Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions which had received adequate rainfall in July received further showers. The State Emergency Response team in the state capital was also prepared for any eventuality if flooding takes place.