Belagavi
The farmers of Belagavi and Khanapur expressed disappointment over the state government’s decision to leave out both taluks from the list of drought-affected areas. They have planned to stage a protest in this regard.
The farmers claimed there was discrimination in the crop survey after the declaration of drought in the state. Due to lack of rain, the sowing of rain-fed crops has been delayed across the district. Growth of crops is stunted and the yield is most likely to be poor. So the farmers of two taluks are expressing dissatisfaction against agriculture department officials and the district administration.
Pundalik Ajrekar, a farmer from Majagavi said that paddy-growing areas need continuous rainfall. The crop should remain in water from the planting stage until harvesting. However, the rainfall this year has not been sufficient. Farmers are being treated unfairly without considering the amount of water required and the weather conditions.
Sidagodda Modagi, President of Bharatiya Krishik Samaj said that no scientific survey of crops has been carried out in Belagavi and Khanapur taluks. Crops are drying up and the groundwater level is declining in the rainfed areas. The government should consider these two taluks also as drought affected, he demanded.
Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda’s statement that the crop survey can be conducted till the end of October, after which drought can be announced, has raised some hope. The farmers have demanded that the authorities conduct a scientific survey and submit a report to the government.
Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil said, according to satellite-based data in the central Government norms, a crop survey has been conducted. If the government suggests conducting a survey in Khanapur and Belagavi taluks , a report will be submitted , he stated.
