Kautilya's Arthashastra 4.3.17

4.3.17

durbhikṣe rājā bījabhaktopagrahaṃ kṛtvānugrahaṃ kuryāt, durgasetukarma vā bhaktānugraheṇa, bhaktasaṃvibhāgaṃ vā, deśanikṣepaṃ vā //

During famine, the king shall show favour to his people by providing them with seeds and provision (bíjabhaktopagráham).

He may either do such works as are usually resorted to in calamities; he may show favour by distributing either his own collection of provisions or the hoarded income of the rich among the people; or seek for help from his friends among kings.