Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has sought ₹7,142.64 crore in drought relief from the Union government as severe rainfall shortages, crop losses and water stress continue to affect large parts of the state.
The request was made during a meeting with the Centre's inter-ministerial drought assessment team, headed by Ajit Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The team is conducting a field assessment to verify the state's estimates and submit an objective report.
217 Taluks Identified as Drought-Affected
According to the latest assessment, 217 of Karnataka's 240 taluks have been identified as drought-affected, while 177 taluks have been officially declared drought-hit.
The state has already submitted two memoranda seeking assistance. The earlier memorandum covering 177 taluks estimated losses at around ₹46,000 crore, while the government's broader estimate of overall damage is between ₹50,000 crore and ₹60,000 crore.
A final memorandum covering all 217 drought-affected taluks is expected after the central assessment teams complete their field verification.
Crop Losses and Water Shortages
The state government has highlighted rainfall deficits, crop losses, drinking-water shortages and inadequate fodder availability among the major concerns.
Shivakumar said reservoir inflows remained low in most regions except the Krishna basin, while Malnad and coastal Karnataka were also experiencing significant rainfall deficits. Urban areas have reported water shortages as well.
The state has announced ₹2,500 in relief for farmers, but the government is seeking greater assistance from the Centre under National Disaster Response Force norms.
Dairy Sector Also Under Pressure
The drought is creating challenges beyond crop agriculture. The Chief Minister said milk producers are seeking an increase of at least ₹10 in milk prices, while sugarcane growers are also demanding higher prices.
Fodder availability is a particular concern for livestock-dependent households, as prolonged rainfall shortages can increase the cost and difficulty of maintaining dairy animals.
The government has therefore linked drought assistance not only to crop-loss compensation but also to drinking-water supply, livestock protection and other measures needed to support the rural economy.
Central Assessment Underway
Three central teams are assessing different regions of Karnataka, including the Tumakuru–Chitradurga–Davanagere belt, North Karnataka and the Mysuru region. The teams are meeting district officials and verifying the data submitted by the state government.
The Centre's assessment will precede a report on the extent of the drought and the assistance that may be provided. More than 31 lakh farming families are also reported to be facing crop losses, adding urgency to demands for timely relief.
For Karnataka's dairy industry, the situation highlights how prolonged water stress can affect not only crop production but also fodder availability, livestock costs and milk procurement economics. The eventual scale of central assistance will depend on the outcome of the ongoing assessment.
Source: Dairynews7x7 05 Oct, 2026 Read full story here
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