Karnataka seeks ₹7,142 crore drought relief from Centre

Bengaluru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged the Centre to release ₹7,142.64 crore in drought relief to Karnataka under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms, citing severe crop losses and growing distress among farmers.

During a meeting with an inter-ministerial central team led by Ajit Kumar Sahu, joint secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, at his official residence, Krishna, Shivakumar briefed the team on the drought situation and its impact.

He said 217 taluks had been affected by drought, of which 177 were officially declared drought-hit following scientific assessments. The estimated losses in these taluks stand at ₹46,324.50 crore. The state had initially sought ₹3,701 crore for 101 drought-hit taluks, but revised its demand to ₹7,142.64 crore after expanding the list to 177 taluks.

Describing the situation as alarming, Shivakumar said farmers’ distress was affecting the wider economy and called for urgent central assistance.

Water inflows into most reservoirs have declined, except in the Krishna basin, while Malnad and coastal regions are facing rainfall deficits. The state is also witnessing emerging drinking water shortages in urban areas. Shivakumar expressed concern over Central Water Commission directions to release Cauvery water amid the scarcity.

The state has announced ₹2,500 in relief per farmer and is seeking additional assistance. Ministers have visited districts to assess the situation, while officials have initiated precautionary measures and provided sowing guidance to farmers.

Sugarcane growers are demanding higher prices, while milk producers have sought a hike of at least ₹10 per litre. Shivakumar urged the Centre and state to coordinate efforts to support farmers and the public during the drought.