Government is committed to ensuring justice for every farmer affected by crop loss: Zameer Ahmed Khan

Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan toured drought-stricken villages in Vijayanagara district on August 7, pledging the State government's dedication to justice and financial aid for farmers who lost crops due to the southwest monsoon failure. The minister toured Kudligi, Kottur, and Harapanahalli taluks, where he witnessed damaged crops and held discussions with affected farmers.

Khan reported that the district experienced a 60% rainfall shortfall during the current monsoon season, leaving farmers in dire straits. Officials were tasked with conducting a joint survey to produce a comprehensive report, which would be presented to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who would then decide on relief measures. Separate lists would be compiled for insured and uninsured farmers to ensure assistance reached all eligible recipients.

Last year, ₹66.397 crore was disbursed out of the sanctioned ₹109.54 crore, with the remaining funds still to be released. The district should have received 188.7 mm of rainfall from June to present but only received 76 mm, resulting in a 60% rainfall deficit. Over 1.25 lakh hectares of crops suffered severe moisture stress, affecting various crops like maize, hybrid jowar, sunflower, onion, bajra, and others.

The minister urged farmers to register for crop insurance before the August 15 deadline. During a visit to Moraba village in Kudligi taluk, Khan personally inspected Shantalingamma's farm, who could only cultivate five acres out of her 15-acre land due to inadequate rainfall. She revealed that rising seed and fertilizer costs had forced her to pledge her jewelry to cover cultivation expenses.

Farmers demanded immediate declaration of Kudligi as a drought-hit taluk. In Gajapur village, Khan surveyed a completely destroyed six-acre maize field belonging to Siddappa, promising relief through crop loss compensation and insurance schemes. Legislators expressed concern over the mounting difficulties faced by dryland farmers, including the significant financial burden of losing their entire crop after incurring debts.

They also voiced worries about the encroachment of windmills, solar projects, and high-tension power lines onto agricultural land, reducing cultivation opportunities.