Karnataka seeks Rs 20,585 crore in central drought relief

The Karnataka government is seeking Rs 20,585.73 crore in assistance from the central government to combat a severe drought. Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara has formally requested the funds from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

The state recorded a 35 per cent rainfall deficit during the 2026 southwest monsoon, receiving only 551 mm against a normal of 852 mm. This marks the second-lowest monsoon rainfall for the state since 1956. The drought has affected 226 taluks, with crop damage reported across approximately 57.93 lakh hectares.

The requested central assistance includes: • Rs 6,128.70 crore for crop loss input subsidies. • Rs 12,146.99 crore for livelihood assistance for 61.91 lakh small and marginal farmers. • Rs 1,727 crore for drinking water supply. • Rs 583.04 crore for animal husbandry and livestock protection.

Total economic losses are estimated at approximately Rs 62,481.88 crore. The state government plans to convene an all-party meeting and lead a delegation to Delhi to advocate for the relief funds.