Karnataka seeks early assistance for drought

Karnataka government today pressed the central team to provide financial relief "as early as possible" to tackle the drought situation for which it has sought assistance of Rs 779.20 crore.
Agriculture Minister Byre Gowda and Revenue Minister V Srinivas Prasad held discussions here with central experts' team that visited the state to assess the drought situation.
Karnataka government has declared 35 taluks in the state as drought affected.
Prasad said, "the central study team was here...They have visited 35 taluks in ten districts and studied situation due to drought and related conditions after which they have had discussions with Chief Secretary."

He said the state had already submitted a memorandum to the Centre giving estimated loss due to drought at Rs 3589.07 crore and seeking assistance of Rs 779.20 crore.
"...We have explained how Karnataka has become drought affected state... We have requested them to positively respond to our request and give as much as central assistance as possible," he added.

He said the state revenue department has spent Rs 42 crore for drought relief till now.
Gowda said though kharif production may decline by a small quantity due to adverse climatic conditions during the crop period, the shortfall will not be significant.

"On the production we have not yet got the early estimates; ... As the state has seen two to three types of natural calamities like excess rain in some parts, and drought conditions before that during which Green gram and Black gram crops have got affected," Gowda said.