Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra has called on the state government to promptly release a special relief package of Rs 10,000 crore to assist farmers struggling due to severe drought conditions. This request comes as over 28 districts face ongoing challenges resulting from inadequate rainfall. Vijayendra made these comments following his visit to various villages in Tumakuru district, where he observed the harsh realities faced by local farmers.

During his media interactions, Vijayendra stated that the BJP has established seven study teams tasked with assessing the drought impact throughout the state. He emphasised the urgency of addressing farmers’ hardships and advocated for the immediate declaration of all taluks in Tumakuru district as drought-hit areas due to the high shortage of rainfall.

The situation in the region is dire, with farmers cultivating coconut, ragi, fruits, and vegetables experiencing significant setbacks. Sowing has yet to commence in several areas, and crops that were sown have often failed to germinate or have been damaged by the lack of water.

Government Responsibility Highlighted

Vijayendra urged the government led by DK Shivakumar to assume its responsibilities without delay. He asserted that the state should not await central assistance but instead take immediate action to protect farmers from financial distress. He reiterated the necessity of releasing a significant relief package, noting that the central government’s financial support could be pursued at a later stage.

Moreover, he specified that the farmers’ predicament is so severe that they are unable to pay their crop insurance premiums. Thus, he urged the state government to cover these costs directly and called for Rs 50 lakh to be allocated to each taluk in Tumakuru to aid farmers with these payments.

Concerns over diminishing water supplies were also raised, with water levels in significant sources like the Hemavathi reportedly dropping, exacerbating existing issues related to drinking water for both residents and livestock. Vijayendra indicated that the previously announced grant of Rs 1 crore per taluk was insufficient and requested an additional Rs 2 crore to enhance the water supply infrastructure.

Challenges Faced by Farmers and Local Residents

The BJP chief highlighted that as groundwater levels continue to decline, farmers have increasingly relied on borewells, suffering from inadequate power supply to operate them. He called for uninterrupted three-phase power supply for at least seven hours daily to protect horticultural crops such as coconut and areca nut.

Vijayendra also underscored the importance of the state government acting swiftly to release necessary relief funds before reaching out for assistance from the federal government. He asserted that the central government remains committed to supporting agricultural needs, but it is the state’s obligation to fulfil its duties toward farmers first.

In light of ongoing political conflicts, he expressed concerns that the current government’s focus appears to be on power dynamics rather than addressing farmers’ distress. Vijayendra also responded to statements from Minister Priyank Kharge regarding administrative challenges, suggesting that the emphasis should be on resolving youth-related issues and addressing the divisions within the government.

As a final note, he re-emphasised that the government’s foremost duty is to ensure the well-being of farmers and urged them to set aside political considerations to implement effective relief measures promptly.

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