Karnataka farmers face ₹30,000 crore loss from drought, says Siddaramaiah
The Chief Minister has declared 216 out of 236 taluks in the state as drought-hit. This has resulted in significant crop loss over 42 lakh hectares.
In a recent report from the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah disclosed the severe impact of drought on the region’s farmers. A staggering ₹30,000 crore loss has been the result for the farming community this year. This alarming figure comes into light simultaneously as the state reels under drought, affecting a good number of taluks or administrative units.
According to the Chief Minister’s statement, it’s not just several pockets, but a considerable portion of the state, 216 out of 236 taluks to be exact, that have been declared as drought-hit. The drought condition has led to a startling crop loss on 42 lakh hectares across the state. Siddaramaiah shared these details while inaugurating the historic Mysuru Dasara festival.
“There is crop loss of 42 lakh hectares in the state. The farmers have incurred a loss of ₹30,000 this year. As per the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms, we have sought ₹4,860 crore from the union government and the central team has visited the drought-hit areas.”
State Government’s Response and Actions
On a reassuring note, Siddaramaiah has ensured that there are plans to provide input subsidies to the struggling farmers. These subsidies will cover necessities such as drinking water, fodder, water for the cattle, and employment. He has highlighted this year’s “green drought”, referring to a scenario where crops have grown but there is no yield.
The state government is proactive in addressing the situation and securing aid for its people. They have approached the union government with a request for financial assistance of ₹4,860 crore as per NDRF guidelines, and a central team has visited the drought-hit regions.
“Now, again after the meeting, the cabinet sub-committee has announced drought in 21 taluks. In all, 216 taluks have been declared drought-hit,”
Drought Caution and Political Disputes in Karnataka
Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai has sounded a cautionary note urging the current government to declare four more districts – Haveri, Shiggaon, Hanagal, and Byadgi – as drought-hit. If not, a potential agitation led by farmers might arise.’
In an unrelated backdrop of assembly elections in several other states, allegations were raised against Siddaramaiah and his party Congress by the opposition BJP. However, the Chief Minister has dismissed these as politically motivated and baseless and concentrated on the pressing issue of drought affecting Karnataka’s farmers.
“Answering to former BJP National General Secretary C.T. Ravi’s allegations that the leaders are given targets to collect money, Siddaramaiah stated that Ravi is known for coming up with lies. There is no need to answer to his lies. His statement is baseless, he added.”
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