Minister Madhu Bangarappa visits Sorab, holds review meeting

Minister Madhu Bangarappa, recently appointed to the Cabinet under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, journeyed to drought-stricken Sorab taluk on Friday and convened a review meeting with district officials. He directed Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti and other officials to expedite the repair of rain gauge instruments to prevent farmers from forfeiting compensation under the weather-based crop insurance scheme.

Bangarappa questioned why farmers should bear the scheme's premium if the rain gauges were not operational. He recalled that many farmers failed to receive relief in the previous year due to faulty instruments. Kavalikatti assured that the repairs were underway and scheduled to be finished soon, noting that 72 out of 280 instruments were currently functional, with completion expected within a week.

The Minister also asked Kavalikatti to submit a comprehensive report on crop losses resulting from heavy rain and high-speed winds in April and May, promising to address compensation with the Chief Minister. Reflecting on the deficit monsoon affecting sowing and cultivation, Bangarappa reported that paddy cultivation was benefiting from recent good rainfall.

He requested details on the availability of fodder, seeds, and fertilizers. Bangarappa further directed Education Department officials to ensure schoolchildren received quality shoes and to oversee the distribution process, requesting the return of any defective shoes. Attendees at the meeting included Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth, Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil, Additional Deputy Commissioner V. Abhishek, and other officials.