Belagavi: Farmers under the banner of the Bharateeya Krishika Samaj staged a protest in Belagavi on Thursday, demanding that the state govt immediately declare Karnataka drought-hit in view of widespread crop losses caused by deficient monsoon rains.The protesters marched from Channamma Circle to the deputy commissioner’s office and submitted a memorandum seeking urgent drought-relief measures. Farmer leader Balappa Belakud said crops had failed in many areas as seeds sown by farmers had not germinated due to inadequate rainfall. The drought, he said, has left farmers struggling for survival and created a severe drinking water shortage for both people and livestock.The memorandum sought compensation for crop losses, free distribution of seeds, fertilisers and agricultural implements for the upcoming Rabi season, and adequate fodder supply for cattle. Farmers also demanded the release of Rs 10 crore for drought management in each Assembly constituency, uninterrupted three-phase power for agricultural pump sets for at least seven hours a day, waiver of land revenue, and a complete farm loan waiver, including for income tax-paying farmers.Meanwhile, the state govt has ordered a drought assessment survey in nine taluks of Belagavi district following reports of crop damage due to inadequate rainfall. The survey will cover Yaragatti, Bailhongal, Athani, Raibag, Mudalagi, Kittur, Nippani, Chikodi and Belagavi taluks, which were not included in the first two phases of drought declaration.Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan said the revenue department and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) will assess crop losses and submit a report. The survey will be conducted as per the Drought Management Manual-2020 guidelines.Officials said nine taluks had already met the scientific criteria for drought conditions in assessments conducted by KSNDMC. The agriculture department has been asked to complete ground verification within a week and submit its findings. Based on the report, the cabinet sub-committee will take a final call on declaring the taluks drought-affected.Farmer leaders have expressed disappointment that Ramdurg and Savadatti may again be excluded despite significant crop losses reported in the region.
