Karnataka drought: 90% crop loss reported; farmers’ assistance top priority, says Parameshwara

Ballari: Karnataka is facing one of its worst drought situations in nearly 75 years, with crop losses estimated at around 90% across the state, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara said on Wednesday.

He said the government would take all necessary measures to support farmers affected by the drought.

Of the state’s nearly 240 taluks, 217 have already been declared drought-hit, while ground-truthing assessments are underway in 23 more. Around 10 to 15 of these taluks are likely to be added to the drought-affected list, he said.

The drought has severely affected both rain-fed and irrigated areas. Farmers who switched from damaged tur crops to alternative crops such as jowar after inadequate rainfall also suffered crop failures, leaving many without a harvest.

North Karnataka districts, including Ballari and Vijayanagara, are among the worst affected. Central teams have visited the state to assess the situation, while the drought has also triggered drinking water shortages. Funds have been released for emergency works, and deputy commissioners have been instructed to use available resources based on local requirements.

₹2,500 first instalment from state funds

Parameshwara said the government had decided to provide an initial ₹2,500 per hectare to affected farmers from state resources without waiting for central assistance.

Although central guidelines provide for compensation of ₹8,500 per hectare, funds have not yet been released by the Centre. A government order for the state-funded first instalment has been issued and funds will be released after instructions are issued to deputy commissioners, he said.

The state has estimated losses of around ₹46,000 crore across 177 taluks and has sought ₹11,000-₹11,500 crore from the Centre under NDRF guidelines.

Central teams have conducted sample assessments and satellite-based data will also be considered before determining the extent of central assistance.

Referring to the 2023 drought, Parameshwara said the state had estimated losses of around ₹49,000 crore and sought ₹18,000 crore in assistance, of which around ₹3,500 crore was subsequently released following a court directive.

“We will not sit around waiting for funds from the Centre. We will provide whatever assistance we can. We will not abandon farmers in their time of distress,” he said.