Kalaburagi: Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy announced that three teams from the Centre will arrive in the state next week to assess the critical drought situation.
"A total of 195 taluks, including 161 severely affected and 34 moderately affected, have already been declared drought-hit, with a comprehensive report sent to the central government. The central teams are expected to arrive by October 10," the Minister said at a press conference after the divisional-level review meeting of the agriculture department.
"A thorough survey has been conducted, covering 95 percent of the affected crops. By the time the central teams arrive, this survey will be completed and the final report will be ready. Initial estimates indicate the damage at approximately Rs 28,000 crore, affecting 40 lakh hectares of farmland. The state has requested Rs 4,000 crore compensation from the Centre," the Minister said.
In response to the crisis, the government will extend the working days of MGNREGA workers from 100 to 150 days. Also, a task force, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, will be established to oversee relief efforts, convening weekly meetings in the districts.
The Minister emphasized that farmer suicides have decreased thanks to the government's five guarantee scheme.
Responding to concerns about crop insurance, the government is considering reverting to the previous system, managed directly by the government, from next year onwards.
The Krishi Bhagya scheme, dedicated to constructing farm ponds, is set to receive Rs. 100 crore in funding this year, with additional allocations slated for the following year.
During his visit to the district, the Minister also inspected the damaged crops in the drought-affected areas in Chowdapura village, Afzalpur taluk.
