Dharwad farmers face double blow as district left out of drought-hit list

Farmers in Dharwad district, already reeling under crop losses caused by inadequate and untimely monsoon rains, have suffered another set back with the State government excluding the entire district from its list of drought-hit taluks an nounced. The exclusion of Navalgund, Kundgol, Annigeri and Hubballi taluks areas that have reportedly been among the worst affected by the lack of rainfall has left farmers worried about their prospects and access to government relief.

A green drought

Though occasional drizzle and light rainfall have helped maintain some greenery in the fields, the condition of the crops remains poor. Green gram, one of the major monsoon crops in the district, has suffered almost complete fail ure. Other crops, including groundnut, cotton, black gram, soybean and onion, have also been badly af fected. The situation has been described by farmers as a “green drought” where the fields may appear green from a distance, but the crops have little or no yield. Soon after taking charge as the district in-charge minister, Santosh Lad visited all the taluks in Dharwad district to hear farmers' grievances. During his visits, farmers highlighted the disparity between the appearance of crops and the actual yield. They pointed out that although crops had germinated in several areas, they failed to develop because of the lack of timely rainfall. Minister Lad had assured the farmers that their concerns would be brought to the government's attention. Farmer organisations have now stepped up protests demanding that Dharwad district be declared drought-hit and that compensation be provided to affected farmers. Navalgund MLA N.H. Konaraddi had also written to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently, urging the government to declare Navalgund, Annigeri and Hubballi taluks drought-hit. Reacting to the district's exclusion from the drought-hit list, Konaraddi said the government must assess the ground reality before taking a decision. “Crops have dried up due to the lack of timely rainfall. Even though greenery can be seen in some places, there is no yield. The gov ernment must understand the reality on the ground,” he said, adding that he would once again appeal to the government to re consider the decision.

31% rainfall deficit

According to rainfall data, Dharwad district received significantly less rain during the crucial initial phase of the monsoon. From June 1 to the end of July, the district's normal rainfall is around 250 mm, against which it received only about 165 mm — a deficit of nearly 31%. More importantly, the rainfall was not timely. De spite receiving good show ers towards the end of May, the district experienced a prolonged dry spell from the first week of June. As a result, while crops initially germinated well, they failed to grow because of the lack of moisture and eventually dried up. Subsequent light and intermittent showers helped some crops retain their green appearance, but were insufficient to support proper growth and ensure a harvest. Dharwad district has atotal monsoon sowing area of around 2.82 lakh hectares. Of this, farmers com pleted sowing on approximately 2.71 lakh hectares. While the sowing coverage has been relatively high, farmers say the crucial benefit of the exercise a harvest has eluded them.

Agitation will be inevitable

Speaking to News Trail, former minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa urged the State government to declare Navalgund, Annigeri and Hubballi taluks drought-hit by September 8, warning of a mas- sive farmers’ agitation otherwise. He said pro longed rainfall deficiency and adverse weather had severely damaged greengram, black gram, cotton, maize, soybean, sugarcane, chilli, onion, groundnut and guava crops. Farmers, who had borrowed money and in vested heavily in seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and labour, were facing severe financial distress, he said. Munenakoppa demanded Rs 50,000 compensation per acre and immediate drought-relief works to generate rural employ ment. He also urged offi cials to conduct field-lev el assessments instead of relying solely on reports.

NK neglected: Bellad

Karnataka is witnessing drought-like conditions, with several districts in North Karnataka facing a severe shortage of rainfall. Though the government has declared some taluks drought-hit, it has failed to adequately include Dhar wad, Haveri, Gadag and Belagavi districts in the drought-hit list, alleged Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad.