Central team to assess Karnataka drought, crop losses from Oct 3

Bengaluru: A 10-member central government team will visit Karnataka from October 3 to 6 to assess the drought situation and crop losses reported during the ongoing monsoon season.

The team, comprising officials from agriculture, irrigation, rural development, drinking water, food distribution and animal husbandry departments, will inspect drought-affected districts and assess the extent of damage. During the field visits, the officials are expected to examine the extent of crop loss, availability of water and the difficulties faced by farmers. They will also gather information from district officials and farmers before preparing an assessment of the situation.

The central team will be divided into three groups to cover different parts of Karnataka. The first team will visit Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Davangere and Vijayanagara districts. A total of 5,51,994 hectares of crop damage has reportedly been recorded in these districts. The second team will inspect Hassan, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts, where crop damage has been reported across 4,41,290 hectares. Mandya may also be brought under the team’s itinerary to assess the water level and availability in the Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir.

The third team will travel to Yadgir, Raichur, Bagalkot and Koppal districts. These districts have reported crop damage across 4,50,095 hectares, according to the preliminary assessment. The teams will assess the ground situation and collect details required for determining the extent of drought-related losses. The findings are expected to provide the basis for further consideration of assistance to the affected areas.

The central team is also expected to participate in a meeting organised by the Karnataka government in Bengaluru during or after its district visits. State officials will brief the team on crop losses, water availability and other drought-related concerns.

The visit assumes significance for farmers affected by inadequate rainfall and crop damage, as the central assessment will help determine the extent of losses reported by Karnataka.

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The Hans India