Koppal, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Thursday that the state has requested between ₹10,000 crore and ₹12,000 crore from the central government to address the worsening drought conditions. The state government has already disbursed ₹2,500 as an initial aid to approximately 50 lakh farmers affected by the drought.
Speaking to the media after assessing drought-impacted fields in Gunnel village, Parameshwara emphasized that the situation is becoming increasingly dire. He reassured farmers that the government will not abandon them and is prepared to take loans if necessary to provide assistance.
Out of Karnataka’s 240 taluks, 217 have already been declared drought-affected. Parameshwara noted that several districts in northern Karnataka, including Ballari, Vijayanagar, Koppal, Raichur, and Vijayapura, are facing more severe conditions compared to the Mysuru region.
During recent visits to drought-stricken areas in Vijayapura and Ballari, officials discovered that nearly 98% of crops in Vijayanagar have been destroyed, with little hope for a good yield from the remaining crops.
Farmers, often relying on loans from banks, private lenders, and acquaintances, are struggling to repay debts and meet basic needs after their crops failed entirely. Parameshwara acknowledged the despair among farmers, stating, “They are in a position where they feel helpless. When we listen to their grievances, we understand the depth of their pain.”
The government is focusing on supplying drinking water, supporting farmers, and creating wage employment to combat the drought. Parameshwara pointed out that migration has begun in several villages due to the drought. He highlighted Longbani Tanda, where residents are preparing to leave in search of work, and directed officials to provide employment under the rural job guarantee scheme.
“If work is available in rural areas, migration can be prevented. We can only survive if farmers survive. Without farmers, neither society nor the government can sustain itself,” he stated.
Under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines, farmers are eligible for a total relief of ₹8,500, which includes contributions from both the central and state governments. However, the central government has yet to release its share, prompting the state to issue the initial ₹2,500 from its own funds.
So far, the state has spent approximately ₹1,250 crore to assist 50 lakh farmers. Parameshwara acknowledged that while ₹2,500 is insufficient given the losses, it is the government’s responsibility to provide immediate help.
The state has assessed crop losses in 177 taluks at around ₹46,000 crore. Should the drought persist, losses could escalate. Based on current assessments and NDRF regulations, Karnataka has requested ₹10,000 crore to ₹12,000 crore from the Centre.
Three central teams have visited various parts of Karnataka to evaluate the drought situation, and the state hopes that relief funds will be released based on their reports.
Parameshwara mentioned that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar plans to meet with a delegation of opposition leaders to request further assistance from the Centre. However, he noted that leaders from the BJP and JD(S) indicated they would not participate in the delegation.
He warned that the final assessment of damages could rise significantly, and if losses reach around ₹60,000 crore, the state may seek relief funds between ₹18,000 crore and ₹20,000 crore.
“This is not a time for politics; it’s a time to stand with the farmers. Karnataka’s MPs should rise above party lines and pressure the Centre,” he urged.
Steps are also being taken to ensure that crop insurance compensation reaches farmers promptly. Discussions have been held with insurance companies regarding pending claims, and the government is addressing issues related to farmers’ portions of crop insurance premiums.
Parameshwara reported that groundwater levels are rapidly declining in many parts of the state, with some areas requiring drilling up to 500 feet without finding water. In certain locations, drilling up to 1,800 feet has yielded no results.
To aid drought-affected farmers, the government has initiated measures to extend loan repayment periods by five years, allowing farmers to defer payments during this period. Banks have been informed about these measures, which also include issues related to interest obligations.
Farmers are receiving assistance through diesel and electricity subsidies, along with government guarantee schemes. Parameshwara stated, “If the current aid proves insufficient, further steps will be taken. We will not abandon farmers under any circumstances. The government is also prepared to take loans for relief if necessary.”
Regarding maize prices, he indicated that the central government would be urged to intervene, as farmers in many northern Karnataka districts are facing difficulties due to low prices and poor yields. He stressed that it is the Centre’s responsibility to ensure a fair minimum support price (MSP).
On reports of diesel shortages at some transport depots, he assured that any disruptions to bus services would be promptly addressed, describing it as a temporary issue.
Parameshwara dismissed allegations that guarantee schemes have caused an economic crisis in Karnataka, stating that the government has spent approximately ₹52,000 crore on these schemes over the past three years and continues to implement them. He reassured that the state maintains financial discipline and that no government programs have been halted due to these schemes.
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