Mysuru: Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah has directed officials to conduct a detailed survey of crop damage caused by deficient rainfall in parts of Mysuru district and submit a report to the government at the earliest.
Yathindra toured Hunsur, Periyapatna and K R Nagar taluks on Friday to assess the drought-like situation and understand the difficulties faced by farmers due to inadequate rainfall.
During his visit to Kempanahalli in Hunsur taluk, the minister reviewed the condition of agricultural crops and interacted with officials and farmers.
Tobacco yield affected in Hunsur
Yathindra said deficient rainfall this year had resulted in a significant decline in crop yields in several parts of Karnataka, with tobacco cultivation in Hunsur also being affected.
Of the approximately 21,000 hectares under tobacco cultivation in Hunsur, the crop has reportedly failed to reach the expected growth and yield levels on around 2,000 hectares.
The minister said the situation required a detailed assessment so that the government could determine the extent of losses suffered by farmers.
He directed the Agriculture and Revenue departments to conduct field-level surveys and submit accurate details of crop damage.
White rot affects maize crop
During the inspection, Yathindra also took note of white rot disease affecting maize crops in the region.
He said repeated cultivation of the same crop had contributed to a decline in soil fertility and increased the possibility of pest and disease attacks.
The minister said the government would examine the issue and discuss possible measures with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, including the possibility of providing support for farmers who have suffered losses to maize and other crops.
“We will take appropriate decisions after discussing with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on providing support price or compensation for the loss of maize or other crops,” he said.
Compensation norms examined
Yathindra explained that existing National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms do not provide a specific provision for direct compensation for crops damaged by diseases.
According to the minister, the applicable provisions primarily cover losses to rain-fed crops caused by notified natural calamities.
He therefore instructed officials to complete the crop damage assessment quickly and submit the findings to the government.
The minister assured farmers that the government was committed to taking appropriate measures in their interest after examining the survey findings and prevailing rules.
Drinking water shortage in Hunsur
Yathindra also reviewed the drinking water situation in Hunsur taluk, where several villages are reportedly facing severe shortages.
He directed officials to establish alternative arrangements for supplying drinking water to affected villages and instructed Agriculture and Revenue department officials to visit the affected areas personally.
The minister suggested that borewells could be explored as an immediate measure to address the shortage.
Where groundwater levels have fallen significantly, he instructed officials to approach farmers and private individuals who have functional borewells and explore arrangements to supply water to villages on a rental basis.
“I will not tolerate any lapses in the drinking water issue,” he warned officials.
He stressed that ensuring drinking water for residents should remain a priority, particularly in areas experiencing depleted groundwater levels.
Tobacco crops inspected in Periyapatna
Later, Yathindra travelled to Ravandur village in Periyapatna taluk, where he inspected tobacco crops affected by insufficient rainfall.
He obtained details from officials regarding the extent of crop damage and the impact of the rainfall deficit on cultivation.
Farmers also submitted petitions to the minister, explaining the problems they were facing and seeking assistance for their crop losses.
Yathindra assured them that the concerns would be examined as part of the overall assessment of the drought-like conditions in the district.
Former minister and Periyapatna MLA K Venkatesh was present during the visit.
Officials instructed to respond quickly
The minister directed officials from the Agriculture and Revenue departments to visit affected areas and assess both agricultural losses and drinking water requirements.
He stressed the importance of accurate ground-level data before the government takes decisions on relief measures.
Hunsur MLA G D Harish Gowda, Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer S Ukesh Kumar and other Agriculture and Revenue department officials accompanied the minister during the tour.
The visit comes as parts of Mysuru district continue to face the effects of deficient rainfall, with farmers reporting reduced crop growth and concerns over water availability.
Eight ambulances flagged off
During his visit, Yathindra also flagged off eight ambulances aimed at strengthening healthcare services in Mysuru district.
The ambulances are intended to improve emergency medical support and provide timely treatment and transportation for people in need.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the Health Department’s emergency response capacity and improve access to medical services, particularly for people requiring urgent transportation to healthcare facilities.
The minister’s field visit covered agricultural losses, drinking water availability and healthcare infrastructure, with officials directed to respond promptly to emerging problems.
The government will now examine the crop damage assessment and other reports before deciding on further measures to support farmers and address water shortages in the affected areas.