Farmers in Karnataka have incurred loss of 30,000 crore rupees due to drought: Siddaramaiah

Farmers in Karnataka have incurred loss of 30,000 crore rupees due to drought: Siddaramaiah

In Mysuru, Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently addressed the dire impact of drought on the state’s agricultural sector, revealing staggering figures that underscore the severity of the situation. According to his statement, the state has incurred a colossal loss of Rs 30,000 crore due to the relentless drought this year.

The scale of the agricultural crisis becomes more apparent with the revelation that 42 lakh hectares of cultivated land have succumbed to the drought. This widespread loss of crop coverage has undoubtedly left a devastating impact on the farmers and the state’s agricultural output. Compounding the issue further, a vast majority of the state’s administrative divisions are grappling with the adverse effects of the drought, with a staggering 216 out of 236 taluks being declared as drought-hit. This declaration underscores the widespread and acute nature of the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures to support the affected regions and communities.

The Chief Minister’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the critical challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Karnataka, emphasizing the pressing need for swift and strategic intervention to alleviate the immediate and long-term consequences of the drought on the state’s economy and food security.

During the inauguration of the historic Mysuru Dasara festival, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah brought attention to the critical challenges faced by the state’s agricultural community. With a resolute tone, he highlighted the significant impact of the drought on the state’s farming sector. The chief minister disclosed that a staggering 42 lakh hectares of crop area had been affected, signaling an immense setback for agricultural productivity in the region.

The economic repercussions of this crisis were starkly evident as Siddaramaiah emphasized the substantial financial losses suffered by the hardworking farmers, amounting to an alarming Rs 30,000 crore. To address the pressing needs arising from this dire situation, he mentioned the state’s request to the Union government for financial support through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). With an appeal for assistance totaling Rs 4,860 crore, the state government sought to bolster relief efforts and mitigate the widespread repercussions of the drought.

Moreover, the severity of the situation was further underscored as the Chief Minister highlighted that earlier, the state government had declared drought in 195 taluks, signifying the breadth and scale of the calamity. This move reflects the government’s proactive approach to acknowledging the plight of various communities and regions within the state, aiming to facilitate effective interventions and support mechanisms for those affected by the drought.

Siddaramaiah’s address during the festive inauguration not only shed light on the acute challenges faced by the farming community but also underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts between the state and central governments to provide immediate relief and long-term sustainable solutions to tackle the ongoing agricultural crisis in Karnataka.

Following a crucial meeting, the cabinet sub-committee, chaired by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, made a significant announcement regarding the drought situation in the state. The committee, after careful deliberation, declared drought conditions in an additional 21 taluks, bringing the total count of affected taluks to a staggering 216. This decision reflects the growing severity of the crisis, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive relief measures to support the affected communities.

In response to the distressing situation, Siddaramaiah reassured the farming community of the state government’s unwavering commitment to providing crucial support. He outlined a series of relief measures aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by farmers, which include the provision of essential input subsidies. These subsidies are intended to facilitate access to critical resources such as drinking water, fodder, and water for livestock, acknowledging the fundamental importance of ensuring the well-being of both the agricultural sector and the animal husbandry industry.

In addition to addressing immediate concerns, the government has also pledged to prioritize employment generation initiatives to mitigate the impact of the drought on livelihoods. This commitment to fostering employment opportunities reflects a holistic approach to tackling the multifaceted challenges arising from the drought, thereby safeguarding the economic stability of the affected communities.

Siddaramaiah’s noteworthy observation regarding the phenomenon of ‘green drought’ further underscores the complexity of the situation. Despite the appearance of healthy crops, the lack of commensurate yield has intensified the plight of farmers, underscoring the intricacies associated with this particular drought episode. This realization highlights the nuanced nature of the crisis and emphasizes the need for nuanced and multifaceted solutions that account for the various complexities of the current agricultural challenges in Karnataka.