Haveri
Farmers in Haveri district have warned of protests if the government fails to declare the district drought-hit and appoint adequate veterinary doctors. They said they would tie their cattle outside the houses of ministers and legislators to highlight the severe difficulties faced by farming families and livestock owners.
The district has received around 41 per cent less rainfall this year, although farmers completed nearly 98 per cent of sowing. Good pre-monsoon showers encouraged farmers to take up cultivation. However, the monsoon weakened later, leaving several lakes and irrigation sources nearly dry. Farmers said groundwater levels have also declined, while crops have started suffering from moisture stress.
Several crops have also faced pest and disease attacks. Maize has been affected by fall armyworm, while soybean and groundnut crops have suffered from pests and diseases. Farmers said many who undertook resowing after the initial crop failed are again facing poor crop conditions. Though recent rains have made fields appear green, farmers fear yields may fall by nearly 40 per cent in several areas.
Haveri District Farmers’ Association general secretary Mallikarjun Ballari said the district was experiencing a “green drought” despite the recent rainfall. He criticised the government for excluding Haveri from the list of drought-hit districts and said farmers expected relief measures during the monsoon session. He also alleged that livestock owners were struggling to find sufficient fodder and veterinary services.
State farmers’ association general secretary Malatesh Pujari said the government must immediately recognise Haveri as drought-hit and provide relief to farmers and livestock owners. Farmers warned that failure to act would lead to intensified protests, including tying cattle outside the residences of elected representatives. In-charge minister Rudrappa Lamani said the district administration had submitted a drought report and assured that the government would take a decision soon.