Flooded hopes: Belagavi Basmati farmers fear fresh losses this monsoon

Belagavi’s famed ‘Belagavi Basmati’ rice, a staple in festive feasts, is under threat as farmers brace for another season of losses due to flooding from the Ballari nallah during monsoon. Despite repeated pleas, desilting and embankment work on the water body remain pending.

Ballari nallah, once a lifeline for irrigation, has turned into a source of destruction. Farmers from areas like Angol, Yellur, Vadgaon, and Old Belagavi say unchecked silt accumulation, wild vegetation, encroachments, and inadequate drainage infrastructure have caused floodwaters to spill into over 1,000 acres of fertile farmland each year.

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha & Hasiru Sene leader Raju Marve stated, “We’re not asking for compensation. We demand long-term solutions—clear the silt, remove encroachments, and allow water to flow freely.”

Earlier, BJP MLA Abhay Patil claimed that ₹107 crore had been sanctioned under the BJP government to construct retaining walls along Ballari, Lendi, Nagzari, and Jakkeri nallahs. However, he alleged the project stalled once Congress took charge.

Farmers, spending about ₹40,000 per acre to grow Basmati, received just ₹2,800 per acre in compensation last year after over 350 acres were damaged. Agriculture officials noted that ₹70 lakh was distributed, but farmers argue the amount is inadequate.

As monsoon nears, the silence on permanent flood control measures leaves farmers anxious and fields vulnerable.

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