Karnataka Awaits Centre’s Drought Aid as Crop Losses Reach 80% in Some Areas

Karnataka is pressing the Centre to release drought assistance as crop losses reach 80 per cent in some regions, with the state warning that declining foodgrain production could affect availability in the coming months. Despite announcing its own relief package, the state government says it is still awaiting central assistance to support farmers facing mounting agricultural losses.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said on Sunday that the state had announced ₹1,250 crore in drought relief and initiated the process of distributing compensation to affected farmers. He said the Finance Department had approved the release of funds and instructions had been issued to prevent delays. The compensation will be distributed through district Deputy Commissioners in accordance with prescribed norms.

Karnataka has been repeatedly seeking drought assistance from the Centre, including support under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The state has sought ₹20,585.73 crore in central assistance, citing the scale of agricultural losses. A central inter-ministerial team visited drought-hit areas from October 3 to 6 to assess the damage, but the assessment visit did not itself amount to approval or release of funds.

Parameshwara said the state had been seeking an appointment with the Centre to discuss the drought situation, but no date had been allotted so far. He appealed to Karnataka's MPs and Union ministers to rise above party differences and press for the release of assistance, stressing that farmers should not suffer because of disagreements between the Centre and the state.

Karnataka currently has adequate foodgrain stocks, but Parameshwara warned that a substantial decline in production could create difficulties in the coming months. The state would assess foodgrain availability and take necessary measures if supplies came under pressure.