Karnataka is facing a severe rainfall deficit this year, prompting the state government to allocate ₹635 crore for drought relief measures aimed at reducing hardship for residents, farmers and livestock.

Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara outlined the situation during a press briefing at Vidhana Soudha, highlighting widespread rainfall shortages, crop losses and declining water availability.

30% Rainfall Deficit Across State

Between June 1 and August 26, Karnataka received 465 mm of rainfall, against the normal 666 mm, representing a 30% shortfall.

As many as 29 districts and 190 taluks are facing deficit to large-deficit rainfall conditions, with 12 taluks categorised as having a large deficit.

By August 26, 134 taluks had experienced dry spells lasting more than three consecutive weeks, making them eligible for assessment under Trigger-1 of the drought declaration process.

Following ground-level verification, 101 taluks have been officially declared drought-affected, while the status of another 32 remains under review.

Agriculture Takes Major Hit

The rainfall shortage has affected sowing across the state. As of August 21, only 60 lakh hectares had been sown against a target of 84.10 lakh hectares, achieving around 71% of the target.

Of Karnataka’s 240 taluks, 104 recorded sowing below 75%, while 42 had sowing levels below 25%.

Horticulture has also been affected, with 3.04 lakh hectares cultivated against a target of 4.36 lakh hectares. The government is distributing seeds for short-duration crops better suited to limited rainfall.

Soil Moisture and Groundwater Under Stress

The drought has also caused significant soil-moisture depletion. According to the Moisture Adequacy Index, 178 taluks, or nearly 74% of the state, are experiencing severe moisture stress.

Groundwater levels have declined in 132 taluks compared with the previous decade’s average, raising concerns over water availability in the coming months.

The government is undertaking groundwater recharge and water conservation measures while urging citizens to use water carefully.

Drinking Water Supplies Strengthened

Reservoir storage stood at 684.09 TMC, compared with 815.70 TMC during the corresponding period last year.

Currently, drinking water is being supplied to 758 villages through 149 tankers and 714 private borewells. In urban areas, 48 tankers are supplying water to 114 wards across 18 Urban Local Bodies.

The government has also prepared contingency plans for possible drinking water shortages in 2,059 Gram Panchayats during the next summer.

Fodder Stock Available for Livestock

The state currently has around 151 lakh tonnes of fodder, estimated to be sufficient for approximately 33 weeks. Fodder distribution is being prioritised for farmers with access to water, while fodder seed kits are also being distributed.

Officials said drought conditions will continue to be reviewed every 15 days, with further assessments and relief measures based on ground-level conditions.

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