Farmers Suffering Amidst Drought in District

Davanagere
The district is witnessing the devastating impact of drought, with hundreds of acres of sugarcane destroyed and coconut trees withering due to the lack of water. Farmers, who have invested heavily in agriculture, find themselves trapped in debt as their crops suffer.
The district, known for its cultivation of areca nut, sugarcane, and paddy, heavily relies on water from the Bhadra Reservoir for irrigation. However, the recent scarcity of rainfall has exacerbated the situation, leaving farmers grappling with severe drought conditions. The inadequate distribution of Bhadra water has further compounded their woes, particularly affecting those in the last sections of the farming community.
Around 500-600 acres under the Kukkawad Sugar Factory in Kolenahalli are dedicated to sugarcane cultivation, but the crops are drying up due to the insufficient supply of Bhadra water. Farmers are facing dire circumstances, struggling to sustain their livelihoods. Kolenahalli Satish, a prominent farmer leader, has urged the government to conduct a prompt crop survey and provide compensation to those affected.
Expressing their plight, farmer Mallikarjun lamented the futile efforts to salvage their crops, despite investing substantial resources. The mismanagement of Bhadra water distribution has exacerbated the crisis, leaving farmers feeling desperate for a viable solution. They appeal to the government to intervene and alleviate their suffering, as they continue to grapple with the burden of debt and uncertain futures.