In Channagiri taluk’s Kanibebilachi village, an unfortunate incident occurred where approximately 330 groundnut plants near a paddy field were burnt due to the weed killer sprayed on the grass of the paddy field.
The 12-year-old groundnut plants, owned by farmers Anjanabovi and Hanumanthappa of Kanibebilachi village, bore the brunt of the destroyed crop. The groundnut plants, situated adjacent to the paddy field, suffered extensive damage as the roots absorbed the herbicide, leading to the burning of the plants.
Farmer Files Complaint to Police
Anjanabovi, one of the affected farmers, lodged a complaint at the Basavapatna police station against the individual responsible for spraying the herbicide and the owner and seller of the herbicide.
According to Anjanabovi’s statement, about eight months ago, Chaudakka Doddavenkatabovi, from a neighboring farm, leased the land to another person for planting rice. As a result, the lessee sprayed herbicides to eliminate weeds, causing the adjacent trees to dry up and perish within four to five months.
Demand for Compensation
The affected farmers estimated a significant loss due to the burnt groundnut plants. Each tree typically produced around 2 kg of nuts per year, resulting in an annual loss of approximately 3.30 lakhs for the 330 burnt plants. Given that walnut trees have a lifespan of at least 30 years, the farmers demanded compensation totaling 99 lakhs for the projected duration of loss.
The complaint filed by the farmers demands compensation from the company owner, herbicide seller, and land contractor for the incurred damages.