Karnataka to weigh interim drought declaration as Belagavi crops fail

The Karnataka government will examine the possibility of declaring an interim drought in the state until the Union government makes its own determination, Minister for Water Resources Satish Jarkiholi announced on Sunday. Speaking in Yaragatti, Belagavi district, Jarkiholi said the final call rests with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, to whom the government will appeal for a decision.

Jarkiholi indicated that if rainfall remains deficient in the coming days, the drought could extend to additional taluks beyond the three currently under close monitoring in Belagavi district. The state government is considering temporary relief measures for affected farmers and is evaluating what kind of assistance can be provided under existing norms.

According to officials, approximately 95 percent of sowing work for the current season has been completed in Belagavi district. However, erratic rainfall has adversely impacted crop health, with an estimated 65,000 hectares of farmland already suffering damage. There is also a possibility of further losses if precipitation does not improve, the Minister added.

A fresh survey is underway, and a detailed report is expected to be submitted to the state government within ten days. This will be followed by a cumulative report forwarded to the Union government for its consideration in formally notifying a drought and releasing central relief funds.

Drought declaration in India follows a multi-step process. The state government first assesses the situation based on rainfall data, crop loss, and field reports, then requests central approval. An interim declaration, as suggested by the Minister, would allow the state to begin mobilising its own resources while the Centre completes its assessment. This mechanism is sometimes used to provide quicker relief to farmers even before official notification.

The Minister's remarks come at a critical time for the region, where agriculture depends heavily on seasonal monsoons. Belagavi, located in the northern part of Karnataka, has experienced uneven rainfall this year, leading to moisture stress in crops such as maize, soyabean, and sugarcane.

Later in the day, Jarkiholi chaired an Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting for the Malaprabha reservoir, a key water source for the region. The committee discussed the release of water for irrigation, with a decision to be made while ensuring that sufficient water is preserved for drinking requirements until July next year. This balancing act reflects the broader challenge facing the state as it deals with water scarcity.

Farmers in the affected taluks have expressed concern over the slow response, urging the government to expedite assessments and announce support. Local agricultural unions have also called for a comprehensive review of all taluks showing signs of distress, not just those currently under watch.

The state government's move to explore an interim drought declaration is being seen as a proactive step, though officials caution that the final decision will depend on the findings of the survey and the availability of resources. The need for transparent, data-driven assessment remains crucial to ensure that relief reaches those genuinely affected.

As the situation develops, the government is expected to release more information about the extent of damage and the support on offer. For now, farmers in Belagavi wait for the skies to cooperate and for the administration to act swiftly.