Karnataka Farmers Face Rs 33,000 Crore Loss Due to Drought

Karnataka faces a staggering ₹33,000 crore loss for farmers this year due to drought and unpredictable weather. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, at Krishi Mela 2023, emphasizes the need for economic viability in farming and innovative solutions for resilient crops. The event acknowledges outstanding contributions and draws significant visitor numbers.

Karnataka's farmers have suffered staggering losses of ₹33,000 crore this year due to drought, unpredictable weather, and other natural uncertainties. Despite compensation efforts amounting to ₹17,000 crore, the net loss for farmers stands at ₹16,000 crore.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah disclosed these figures on Friday while speaking at the Krishi Mela 2023 inauguration at Yelahanka's Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra (GKVK) campus. He stressed the need to make farming economically viable to retain farmers on their land.

Siddaramaiah also emphasized the necessity of making agriculture profitable to attract the younger generation back to farming, preventing their migration to cities. He highlighted the role of the University of Agriculture Sciences, stating that agricultural universities should transform into research and development centers, promoting innovation for drought and pest-resistant crop varieties.

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Addressing the economic challenges of agriculture, Mr. Siddaramaiah emphasized the imperative of making farming both profitable and economically sustainable. He stressed that this is crucial for retaining farmers on their lands. Mr. Siddaramaiah further highlighted the significance of developing resilient crop varieties, particularly in light of the recurring droughts every 4 to 5 years in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, speaking at the event, praised the progressive farming practices in Chickballapur, Kolar, Ramanagara, and Bengaluru rural districts. He urged farmers in other regions to learn efficient water usage from their counterparts, emphasizing its potential to increase income and facilitate produce export.

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Krishi Mela recognized the contributions of five farmers (Manjunath B.R., Rajendra H.T., Manjegowda B.G., B.P. Vasu, and Ratnamama A.V.) and one agricultural scientist (M.A. Dhananjay, Principal Scientist at IIHR) in various categories. The four-day event drew over 1.31 lakh visitors on its opening day, with expectations to surpass 2 lakh on Saturday and Sunday, concluding on Monday.

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