Parameshwara assures aid, daytime power for drought-hit farmers

Highlighting the severity of the prevailing drought across Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday assured farmers that the State government is committed to providing necessary financial assistance, even if it requires borrowing funds.

Addressing distressed farmers after visiting drought-affected agricultural fields in Umalutti and Kalamangi villages of Sindhanur taluk to assess crop loss, Mr. Parameshwara noted that 217 of the State’s 240 taluks have already been declared drought-hit, with the process under way to add 10 more. He said that barring a few coastal taluks, the entire State is reeling under a dry spell not witnessed in nearly 125 years.

“Rains have completely failed over the last few months, causing up to 98% crop damage in several areas I visited. Pulses such as red gram have withered at two feet without bearing pods. The government’s top priority is to protect the livelihoods of farmers, agricultural labourers and the rural poor,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Interim relief announced

Addressing delays in central assistance, Mr. Parameshwara pointed out that while guidelines mandate joint relief of ₹8,500 per farmer from the State and Centre, the Centre is yet to release its share. “To prevent further distress, the State government has decided to immediately disburse ₹2,500 per farmer from its own resources, committing ₹1,250 crore for prompt relief,” he announced.

Drinking water and power supply

To tackle the acute drinking water crisis and fodder shortages, the State has released ₹306 crore for drinking water works, allocating ₹1 crore per Assembly constituency and an additional ₹2 crore wherever required. It has also provided ₹25 crore to each district for fodder banks and seed kits.

Brushing aside allegations by Opposition parties that the State government is facing a financial crisis and has become bankrupt, the Deputy Chief Minister said the State has spent ₹52,000 crore on guarantee schemes and is also spending ₹22,000 crore on electricity subsidy for farmers. “Therefore, the allegations by Opposition parties about the government’s financial condition are far from the truth,” he said.

Responding to complaints regarding erratic power supply for irrigation pump sets, Mr. Parameshwara directed GESCOM officials to ensure six hours of uninterrupted daytime power with adequate voltage, preventing farmers from facing nighttime hazards such as snakebites.

Koppal MP Basavaraj Hitnal, Maski MLA Basanagouda Turvihal, MLC Basavanagouda Badarli, Raichur Deputy Commissioner Poovitha S., Zilla Panchayat CEO Ishwar Kumar Kandoo and others were present.