Gadag eligible for drought declaration as rainfall deficit touches 31%, says Minister Rayareddi
Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi announced that Gadag district is eligible for drought relief due to a 31% rainfall deficit. The government plans to assess crop damage and provide compensation to farmers through insurance and state funds.
Why it matters
Effective drought management is critical for the economic stability of agrarian regions and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi on Friday (August 7) said that Gadag district was eligible to be declared drought-affected under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms as it had recorded a 31% rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon so far.
Reviewing the drought situation at the zilla panchayat auditorium in Gadag, Mr. Rayareddi said the district had received 31% less rainfall than the seasonal average between June 1 and August 7. A scientific assessment would be carried out taluk-wise before a report is submitted to the State government for further action, he added.
According to official figures, Gajendragad recorded a 47% rainfall deficit, followed by Gadag (43%), Mundargi (33%), Shirahatti (27%) and Lakshmeshwar (18%). Nargund registered 18% excess rainfall, and the data would be re-examined in accordance with technical guidelines, the Minister said.
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