No rain in 122 taluks for three weeks; 50% crop losses likely in Karnataka

BENGALURU: With an underwhelming monsoon showing no signs of revival and rain deficit in the state set to widen in coming weeks, Karnataka is likely to lose about 50% of its agriculture and horticulture harvest.Karnataka has declared 102 of its total 239 taluks ‘drought hit’; 26 more taluks may join the list in a week.The crisis-hit districts are Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajnagar, Hassan, Kolar and Chikkaballapura. In northern parts of the state, Haveri, Bidar and Raichur are seeing a serious drop in sowing.“As per our preliminary assessment, of the 228 taluks facing drought-like situation, 122 have seen dry spells of three weeks consecutively. This means the situation is dire for crop cultivation,” said a revenue department official.According to officials, preliminary estimates place the south-interior region as the worst hit. “While we may see some crops being salvaged along irrigated lands, those dependent on rainfall will show little or zero yield this time. We’re staring at a 50% crop loss,” said the official.Karnataka, as of the previous agriculture season, had 82.5 lakh hectares under agriculture production. This year, only 36.5 lakh hectares have seen sowing yet.Minister Eshwar Khandre said govt has assessed the state needs Rs 2,600 crore in relief measures for 101 taluks declared drought-hit. “CM Shivakumar will likely seek additional compensation from the Centre,” Khandre said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in BengaluruStay updated with the latest Bengaluru news. Download the TOI App.