Cultivation of lemon, which is among the chief horticultural crops in the district, has been hit severely owing to the drought conditions. According to officials of the Horticulture Department, lemon crop has been damaged on over 1,975 hectares owing to deficient rainfall. The loss is concentrated in Indi taluk of the district — the largest producer of lemon where crop on over 1,400 hectares has been affected, followed by Vijayapura (419 hectares) and Sindgi (156 hectares). “The monetary loss to the farmers is estimated at ₹3.55 crore,” an official said. According to officials, the crop loss report was prepared after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued an order to assess the extent of damage. The department has already submitted the report to the district administration. Meanwhile, farmers are still waiting for relief from the government as so far, they have not received any assurance though officials did visit them for damage assessment. Many farmers had borrowed from private moneylenders in order to to supply water to the crop. Shivarudrappa Halasangi, a farmer of Tamba village, said he has already spent around ₹2 lakh on tanker water supply. “If not to get the lemon, water must be supplied at least to keep the plant alive. Else, we have to replant the saplings, which will take years to reach the stage of bearing fruit,” he said. Mr. Halasangi said some of the farmers have borrowed loans in exchange of jewellery to protect the crop. Meanwhile, officials said they are unable to disburse compensation as the department has not received any relief fund from the government. Source - http://www.thehindu.com