Mysuru: Farmers staged a protest outside the Mysuru District Commissioner’s office on Thursday, objecting to the scale of Dasara celebrations amid drought conditions and demanding enhanced relief for farmers affected by crop losses.
The protesters sought a complete waiver of farm loans across Karnataka and demanded that drought compensation be fixed after a scientific assessment of farmers’ production costs and actual losses. They warned of intensifying the agitation across the state if their demands are not addressed.
The protest was led by Karnataka State Farmers’ Association (Raita Bana) state president Ingalaguppe Krishnegowda, who criticised the government over its decision to hold large-scale Dasara programmes while farmers continue to face drought-related difficulties.
The state government had announced an input subsidy of Rs 2,500 for each drought-affected farmer, covering around 50 lakh farmers and involving an estimated expenditure of Rs 1,250 crore, while awaiting assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund.
Farmers question Rs 2,500 drought assistance
Krishnegowda questioned the basis on which the Rs 2,500 assistance was calculated and argued that the amount was inadequate in relation to the losses suffered by farmers.
He demanded compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre for dry-land agriculture and Rs 50,000 per acre for irrigated land. He also sought a scientific assessment of cultivation expenses and crop losses before determining the final compensation.
The demand comes amid an ongoing debate in Karnataka over the adequacy of drought assistance. During the recent legislature session, opposition members had also criticised the Rs 2,500 assistance and demanded a higher amount.
The state government, meanwhile, has said the assistance is intended as immediate relief while it awaits further support from the Centre. The government has also been undertaking ground verification of drought damage before preparing its final memorandum to the Union government.
Protesters question Dasara expenditure
The farmers’ association alleged that the government should have considered conducting Dasara in a simpler manner this year in view of drought and agricultural distress.
Krishnegowda alleged that public money was being spent on various Dasara programmes while farmers were struggling with crop losses and debt.
He specifically referred to programmes planned as part of the celebrations, including Kambala and Cauvery Arathi at Brindavan Gardens, and argued that expenditure that could be avoided should instead be considered for drought-relief measures.
The allegations were made by the protesting farmers and represent their assessment of the government’s spending priorities. The official Dasara programme includes a series of cultural, sporting and traditional events between October 11 and October 21, including Raitha Dasara and other agricultural programmes.
Demand for farm loan waiver
A complete waiver of farm loans across Karnataka was among the major demands raised during the protest.
The protesters said farmers facing crop losses due to drought should not be left to manage mounting debt without adequate government support. They also sought greater involvement of farmers’ organisations in discussions concerning relief measures and agricultural policy.
The issue of loan waivers has also figured in the recent drought debate in the Karnataka legislature. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had offered to lead an all-party delegation to the Centre seeking a farm loan waiver, while indicating that the state was prepared to bear its share of the financial burden if the Centre agreed to such a measure.
Farmers demand transparency in Dasara spending
The protesters also raised questions about expenditure on civic works in Mysuru.
Krishnegowda alleged that some civil works carried out in the city were of substandard quality and demanded a Lokayukta investigation into them.
He also demanded that the district administration publish clear accounts of expenditure incurred during last year’s Dasara celebrations, saying greater transparency was necessary regarding the use of public funds.
The allegations regarding the quality of civil works and the demand for a Lokayukta probe were made by the farmers’ association during the protest.
Demand for opportunity for Dalit seers
The farmers’ association also raised a separate demand concerning the inauguration of Mysuru Dasara.
Krishnegowda said Dalit seers had not been given an opportunity to inaugurate the festival and demanded that a Dalit seer be considered for the role in a future edition.
This year’s Dasara is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 11. Sri Abhinava Gavisiddheshwara Swami of the Gavisiddheshwara Mutt in Koppal has been selected to inaugurate the 2026 festival.
Protest march reaches DC office
As part of the protest, farmers took out a march from the Chamundi Guest House and garlanded the statues of Dr B R Ambedkar and Dr Rajkumar at Town Hall before proceeding towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The protesters raised slogans against the government and later submitted a memorandum outlining their demands.
Farmer leaders Beerappa Deshanur, Basavanagowda, Chinakurali Somegowda, retired DySP Nanjappa, Lokesh from Vijayanagar district, Siddappaji Nayak, H Prasad, Draksha Shivaram and Yogesh, among others, participated in the protest.
The protesters also alleged that police initially prevented them from sitting near the steps of the DC office and objected to the entry of their food vehicle. They further claimed that they were initially prevented from playing the Tamate. Following a verbal exchange, they said the food vehicle was subsequently allowed into the compound.
The protest comes at a time when farmer groups across Karnataka continue to raise concerns over drought, crop losses, water availability and the adequacy of government assistance. The state is preparing a final drought memorandum after completing ground-level verification of damage, with the memorandum expected to be submitted to the Centre in October.