Karnataka begins drought relief as crops fail across state

Karnataka's government has announced the first instalment of drought relief for farmers, drawing from its own treasury as the state grapples with widespread agricultural damage. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara confirmed on Wednesday that the disbursement would begin immediately, underscoring the severity of the crop failure across the region.

The state has assessed that roughly 90 percent of crops have been damaged due to drought conditions, marking a significant agricultural crisis. Despite the scale of the disaster, the state government has not received relief funds from the Centre, prompting Karnataka to act unilaterally to support its farming community.

The decision to release compensation from state coffers reflects the urgency of the situation, with farmers facing severe losses ahead of the next planting season. The move is expected to provide immediate financial assistance to affected cultivators while negotiations with the central government over additional relief continue.

Parameshwara's announcement signals that the state is prepared to shoulder the financial burden independently if necessary, rather than wait for federal intervention. Officials have not specified the quantum of the first instalment or the timeline for subsequent payments.