Farmers in Shivamogga demand higher compensation for crop and house damage caused by recent natural calamities and hailstorm losses.
Shivamogga
Members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene staged a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shivamogga, demanding special consideration and higher compensation for damage caused by recent natural calamities in Holenarsipur and Kudligere hobli villages of Shivamogga rural constituency.
The protesters submitted a memorandum to the district administration addressed to the Chief Minister, urging immediate relief measures for affected farmers and families. They stated that unprecedented hailstorms and strong winds on April 26 caused widespread destruction, damaging houses and rendering several families homeless. Relief camps have been opened for displaced residents.
Farmers alleged that thousands of hectares of arecanut plantations were severely affected, with more than 50% of trees uprooted in many areas. Coconut trees were also destroyed, causing massive economic losses. They said that crops cultivated over several years were wiped out in a single night, leaving farmers in deep distress. Since arecanut is a key livelihood crop in the Malnad region, the damage has severely impacted rural households.
Raitha Sangha leaders criticized the existing disaster compensation norms, stating that the current rates are inadequate. They explained that under existing guidelines, compensation for perennial crops amounts to only a few thousand rupees per hectare, which translates to an unrealistic amount per tree, insufficient even for clearing damaged plantations.
They demanded that the damage be treated as a special case and compensation be increased significantly, suggesting at least 50,000%. They also urged officials to conduct accurate field surveys, release crop insurance without delays, waive farmer loans, and provide interest-free credit. Additionally, they sought ₹5 lakh compensation for completely damaged houses.
The protest was attended by several farmer leaders and activists from the district.