Koppal (Karnataka), Oct 8 — Karnataka has sought Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore in drought relief from the Centre, while the State Government has released a first instalment of Rs 2,500 each to around 50 lakh farmers affected by the drought, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said on Thursday.
Speaking to the media after inspecting drought-hit farmland at Gunnal village in Yelburga taluk, Parameshwara said the drought situation in the State was becoming increasingly severe and assured that the government would not abandon farmers. He said the government was even prepared to borrow funds, if necessary, to provide assistance to farmers.
Of Karnataka’s 240 taluks, 217 have already been declared drought-affected. Dy CM Parameshwara said the situation in several North Karnataka districts, including Ballari, Vijayanagara, Koppal, Raichur and Vijayapura, was more severe than in the Mysuru region.
During recent visits to drought-hit areas in Vijayapura and Ballari, it was found that around 98 per cent of crops in Vijayanagara district had been destroyed, he said, adding that even the remaining crops were unlikely to provide a viable harvest to farmers.
He said farmers often cultivate two or three acres by borrowing money from banks, private lenders and acquaintances, hoping to sustain their livelihoods. With crops completely destroyed, they were now struggling to repay their debts and meet their basic needs.
“Farmers are in a situation where they are left helpless. When we listen to their grievances, we understand the depth of their pain,” Dy CM Parameshwara said.
He said the government was focussing on drinking water supply, assistance to farmers and generation of wage employment as part of drought management. He said drought-induced migration had already begun in several villages.
Referring to Lambani Tanda where residents were preparing to migrate in search of employment, Dy CM Parameshwara said officials had been instructed to provide work under the rural employment guarantee scheme.
“If work is available within rural areas, migration can be prevented. We can survive only if farmers survive. Without farmers, neither society nor government can sustain itself,” he said.
Under the Centre’s National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms, farmers are eligible for a total relief of Rs 8,500, comprising the Centre and State shares. However, as the Centre has not yet released its share, the State Government decided to release Rs 2,500 from its own funds as the first instalment.
The government has already spent around Rs 1,250 crore to provide the assistance to 50 lakh farmers. Parameshwara acknowledged that Rs 2,500 was insufficient considering the extent of the losses but said the government had a responsibility to provide immediate assistance.
The State has submitted an assessment of around Rs 46,000 crore in crop losses, based on losses reported in 177 taluks. If the drought continues, the losses could increase further. Based on the present assessment and NDRF norms, Karnataka has sought Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore from the Centre, he said.
Three central teams have visited different parts of Karnataka to assess the drought situation, and the State expects relief to be released based on their reports.
Dy CM Parameshwara said a delegation comprising Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, himself and Opposition leaders had been planned to meet the Centre and seek greater assistance. However, BJP and JD(S) leaders had indicated that they would not join the delegation, he said.
He said the final assessment could rise substantially and, if losses reached around Rs 60,000 crore, the State could seek Rs 18,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore in relief.
“This is not the time for politics; this is the time to stand with farmers. MPs from Karnataka should put pressure on the Centre irrespective of party affiliation,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said steps were being taken to ensure that crop insurance compensation reached farmers at the earliest. He said discussions had been held with insurance companies regarding pending claims and that the government was also examining issues concerning the farmers’ share of crop insurance premiums.
Parameshwara said groundwater levels had fallen sharply in several parts of the State, with some areas failing to yield water even after drilling 500 feet. In his region, he said, there were places where drilling up to 1,800 feet had failed to yield water.
The government has also initiated measures to provide drought-affected farmers a five-year period for repayment of loans. A 60-month moratorium has been provided, during which farmers need not repay their loans. Banks have been informed about the measures, including issues relating to interest liabilities, he said.
He said farmers were also receiving support through diesel subsidies, electricity subsidies and the government’s guarantee schemes.
“If the assistance currently being provided is found to be insufficient, further measures will be taken. Under no circumstances will we abandon farmers. If necessary, the government is prepared even to borrow money to provide relief,” he said.
On maize prices, Parameshwara said the Centre would be requested to intervene as farmers in several North Karnataka districts were facing difficulties due to low prices and reduced yields. He said the Union Government had a responsibility to ensure appropriate Minimum Support Price (MSP) support.
Responding to reports of diesel shortages at some State transport depots, he said any disruption in bus services would be rectified immediately and dismissed it as a possible temporary issue.
Parameshwara also rejected allegations that the guarantee schemes had caused a financial crisis in Karnataka. He said the government had spent around Rs 52,000 crore on the schemes over the past three years and continued to implement them.
He said the State was maintaining fiscal discipline and that the guarantee schemes had not resulted in the suspension of any government programme.
The government would continue to provide crop-loss compensation, crop insurance support and extended loan repayment facilities, among other measures, he said, stressing that farmers’ livelihoods would remain the priority during the drought.