Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister warns of reduced food production after 80% crop loss

Stating that the prevailing drought conditions owing to the deficient southwest monsoon, which ended last month, had led to a loss of 80% of crops in certain regions of the State, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara on Sunday warned that this situation could affect food production.

“Currently, the State has an adequate stock of food grains. However, if food grain production declines in the coming days, suitable actions will have to be taken after discussing the consequences. The Members of Parliament from Karnataka should forget their party affiliations and help in mitigating the drought situation,” he told presspersons here.

Urging the Finance Department not to delay the release of the compensation amount, the Deputy Chief Minister said orders have been issued with respect to the compensation, and farmers would receive the compensation once the funds are released. “The approval from the Finance Department has been received. Money should be released immediately.”

He also said that the idea of taking an all-party delegation to Delhi to seek drought relief had not been dropped. “We have sought time from the Centre. However, they are yet to give us time. The State has done its duty, and the Centre has to discharge its responsibility. Questions have arisen over the Centre not releasing compensation under the NDRF.”

The Deputy Chief Minister asserted that the State government had fulfilled its responsibilities and that the Union government must also discharge its obligations. “If the Centre and the State continue trading allegations, it is the farmers who will ultimately suffer. Both governments must work towards resolving the problems faced by farmers,” he said.

It may be noted that total crop losses have been estimated at around ₹62,000 crore due to the impact of the drought. While sowing during the kharif season was badly affected by the drought, most of the sown crops wilted in the drought-affected areas due to prolonged dry spells.