Bengaluru, August 19: The central government has responded positively to the request of Karnataka’s newly appointed Agriculture Minister, P.M. Narendra Swamy. Central Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured that he will visit Karnataka in the first week of September to inspect at least one drought-affected district.
On Wednesday, Narendra Swamy met with Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi. During this meeting, they discussed the challenges faced by the agricultural sector due to insufficient rainfall and the need to extend the registration deadline for farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana until the end of August.
The Agriculture Minister also referenced a letter written by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting an extension of the registration deadline for the crop insurance scheme.
During the meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan reassured Narendra Swamy that he would not only visit Karnataka but also take necessary steps to address the issues arising from the lack of rainfall in the state.
Narendra Swamy noted that farmers are facing difficulties as the deadline for crop insurance registration approaches. He stated, “In light of the situation, interim compensation orders have already been issued for 666 crop insurance units.”
The minister emphasized, “The state government is effectively implementing all centrally sponsored schemes. We are in constant contact with the center, and our government is committed to protecting the interests of Karnataka’s farmers.”
Regarding the question of providing irrigation water to farmers while Karnataka releases water to Tamil Nadu, Narendra Swamy mentioned that there is no need for the central government to conceal information about the available water for agricultural activities.
He added, “The KRS (Krishna Raja Sagara) reservoir has only 109 feet of water. This is insufficient for Karnataka’s farmers to cultivate even one crop.”
He pointed out that the situation has worsened after the Supreme Court upheld the order from the Cauvery Water Management Authority, directing Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu.
Narendra Swamy concluded, “Now, the only solution to this problem is rain.” He also mentioned that it would be challenging to release water for agricultural activities under the current circumstances.
The minister stated, “We will hold a meeting and make decisions regarding water release based on availability.”
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