Karnataka farmers face crisis amid rain deficit in Yadgir and Belagavi

Farmers in the Karnataka districts of Yadgir and Belagavi are facing severe distress due to a significant deficit in monsoon rainfall, leading to widespread crop failure.

In Yadgir, social activist Umesh K. Mudnal has urged the state and central governments to declare the district a drought-hit area. He highlighted that farmers, who already suffered from excessive rain last year, are now struggling with a lack of moisture. Demands include immediate compensation for monsoon crop losses, free distribution of seeds and fertilizers for the upcoming season, and a minimum of 25 crore rupees in special drought management funds per assembly constituency. Additionally, activists are calling for stable electricity for agricultural pumps and the waiver of agricultural loans.

In Belagavi, approximately 65,000 hectares of rain-dependent crops are at risk of being destroyed. Significant damage has been reported in the Savadatti, Yaragatti, and Ramdurg taluks, affecting crops such as groundnut, green gram, black gram, and maize. Farmers are demanding compensation of at least 25,000 rupees per acre to cover their investment costs. While Minister Satish Jarakiholli has visited affected areas and suggested a compensation of 10,000 rupees per acre, farmers have rejected this amount as insufficient.