State govt. to explore declaring interim drought
The Karnataka state government is considering declaring an interim drought as erratic rainfall continues to damage crops across the Belagavi district. Officials are monitoring the situation and planning to provide temporary relief while managing water reserves for drinking purposes.
Why it matters
Timely drought declaration is critical for farmers to access government compensation and relief funds during periods of agricultural distress.
“The State government will explore the idea of declaring an interim drought, till the Union government announces it. We will appeal to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to address the issue and he will take the final decision in the matter,” Minister Satish Jarkiholi said in Yaragatti of Belagavi district on Sunday.
“If there is no rainfall in the coming days, the drought situation may spread to other taluks. The State government is considering providing temporary relief and will decide what kind of assistance can be provided,” he said.
Officials are monitoring the drought situation in three taluks in Belagavi district. "Around 95% of the sowing work has been completed in the district. But officers are saying that erratic rainfall has affected the health of the crops. Crops on at least 65,000 hectares have suffered damage. There is also the possibility of further crop damage,” he said.
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