Tumakuru: Karnataka is facing a severe drought, with crop losses estimated to have reached up to 80% in some areas, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara said, warning that the situation could affect food grain production in the coming days.
Although the state currently has adequate food grain stocks, the potential decline in future production calls for a detailed assessment of the situation and timely intervention, he said. Parameshwara urged the state’s Members of Parliament and Union Ministers to rise above political differences and extend support to tackle the drought.
The government has issued orders for the distribution of relief to affected farmers, and the process is under way in accordance with the prescribed eligibility criteria. Approval has been secured from the Finance Department, and efforts are being made to expedite the release of funds. Once the funds are released, the amount will be disbursed to farmers through the respective Deputy Commissioners, he said.
Parameshwara said the state government had announced a relief package of ₹1,250 crore and had fulfilled its responsibility. He stressed that the Centre must also meet its obligations in providing assistance to drought-hit farmers.
He also raised concerns over relief under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), emphasising the need for appropriate support to address the crisis. Warning against political blame games between the state and central governments, he said farmers would ultimately bear the consequences if the two sides failed to work together.
The proposal to send an all-party delegation to meet central leaders has not been dropped, Parameshwara said. A request has been made for an appointment with the central leadership, but a date for the meeting is yet to be finalised.
