Karnataka's Drought Devastation: Minister Lad Pledges Swift Aid as Dharwad Faces Massive Crop Loss

The agricultural heartland of Dharwad district in Karnataka is currently enduring a profound crisis, as severe drought conditions have decimated crops across an estimated one lakh hectares. This widespread devastation has left thousands of farmers grappling with immense financial hardship and an uncertain future.

The gravity of the situation has prompted a swift response from the state government, with Minister Santosh Lad personally visiting the affected areas to assess the damage and reassure the distressed farming community.

The scale of the agricultural catastrophe is staggering. Reports indicate that over 137 villages within the district have borne the brunt of the drought, witnessing the ruination of various essential crops.

Paddy, a staple, has suffered losses across 12,000 hectares, while maize, another crucial crop, has been wiped out over a massive 70,000 hectares. Cotton fields, spanning 2,000 hectares, also lie in ruins, alongside significant damage to horticulture crops. The official declaration of Dharwad as a drought-affected district underscores the dire reality faced by its agricultural backbone.

In a direct engagement with the afflicted farmers, Minister Santosh Lad conducted an on-the-ground survey, witnessing firsthand the parched fields and wilting produce.

During his visit to villages such as Marewad, Kamalapur, and Yamanur in Dharwad taluk, he listened intently to the grievances and plights of the farmers, who shared harrowing tales of lost livelihoods and mounting debts. This direct interaction aimed to instill confidence and demonstrate the government's solidarity with those facing such immense challenges.

Addressing the pressing concerns, Minister Lad unequivocally pledged that the government would provide adequate and prompt compensation to all affected farmers, strictly adhering to National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms.

He emphasized the government's commitment to expediting the process, ensuring that financial aid reaches those who need it most without undue delay. "Our priority is to ensure that every farmer who has suffered losses receives the compensation they are entitled to, as quickly as possible," Lad stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Beyond immediate financial relief, the Minister also assured farmers of comprehensive support for the upcoming rabi crop sowing season.

Recognizing the cyclical nature of agriculture, the government aims to provide necessary assistance to help farmers restart their cultivation efforts and regain stability. Furthermore, Lad held extensive discussions with district officials to address other critical issues stemming from the drought, including ensuring sufficient drinking water supply for both humans and livestock, and tackling the looming fodder shortage.

Progress on ongoing tank-filling projects, vital for long-term water security, was also reviewed to accelerate their completion.

As Dharwad battles the severe aftermath of this unprecedented drought, Minister Santosh Lad's visit and his concrete promises of support serve as a beacon of hope for thousands of struggling farmers.

The government's resolve to provide adequate compensation, facilitate future farming, and address immediate necessities underscores a concerted effort to mitigate the crisis and help the district's agricultural community navigate these challenging times towards recovery.