Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, urging the early release of financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for drought relief. Severe drought conditions in the state, exacerbated by delayed monsoons and erratic rainfall, have significantly impacted agriculture and horticulture crops.
The state government has declared drought in 223 taluks out of 236, with 196 categorized as severely affected. Karnataka has sought Rs 18,171.44 crore from the NDRF for drought relief, including measures to support small and marginal farmers. The delayed monsoons and erratic weather have led to crop losses estimated at Rs 35,162.05 crore for Kharif 2023.