Karnataka Releases ₹63.16 Crore Crop Loss Aid for Dharwad Farmers
The Karnataka government has disbursed ₹63.16 crore as crop loss compensation to farmers in Dharwad district, offering critical relief to those affected by extreme weather and pest infestations. The move aims to offset financial losses from damaged crops like maize, pulses, and sugarcane.
Why Farmers in Dharwad Received Compensation
Dharwad, a major agricultural region in North Karnataka, faced severe setbacks due to:
– Erratic monsoons leading to drought/flood cycles
– Hailstorms destroying standing crops
– Pest outbreaks exacerbating losses
Under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), over 45,000 farmers qualified for aid after field assessments.
Compensation Breakdown: How Much Did Farmers Get?
Payments were transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency. Rates varied by crop type:
– Rainfed crops: ₹6,800/hectare
– Irrigated crops: ₹13,500/hectare
– Perennial crops (e.g., mango, coconut): ₹18,000/hectare
Farmers enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) received additional insurance payouts.
Mixed Reactions from Dharwad’s Farming Community
While many beneficiaries appreciated the support, others criticized the amounts as inadequate.
– Ramesh Patil (Maize farmer, Navalgund): “Compensation doesn’t cover our cultivation costs.”
– Grievances: Delays in surveys and exclusion of some eligible farmers were reported.
Official Response:
Dharwad DC Gurudatta Hegde assured rechecks for fairness. Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy highlighted future plans:
– Upgrading irrigation infrastructure
– Encouraging climate-resistant crops
– Expanding insurance coverage
Bigger Picture: Climate Challenges in Karnataka Agriculture
Karnataka recorded ₹10,000 crore in farm losses in 2023, impacting 10 lakh+ farmers. Experts stress:
✔ Short-term: Timely compensation
✔ Long-term: Sustainable farming, better water management
Key Takeaways
- Immediate relief: ₹63.16 crore aids recovery for Dharwad farmers.
- Systemic gaps: Compensation amounts and assessment delays need addressing.
- Future focus: Climate adaptation policies are critical for farm resilience.
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