Minister for Social Welfare, H. Anjaneya, who is also the district in-charge Minister, has said that the officials of the departments concerned have been sent to the district to take up a scientific survey to ascertain crop loss to ensure that suitable compensation is given to farmers.

Speaking after reviewing the drought situation in Challkere taluk on Tuesday, the Minister said that the district has seen drought for more than 50 years in the last seven decades.

Mr. Anjaneya said that groundnut , a major crop in the district, has withered owing to scanty rain. He further said that groundwater table in all the six taluks has also depleted considerably. “Other crops, including maize and millet, have also started to wither,” he added.

“The farmers in the district have lost hopes of even getting back their investment on seeds and fertilizers… they have spent more than Rs. 15,000 per acre….,” he said.

The survey of crop loss in the district would be completed in the next 10 days and a detailed report would be sent to State government for further action, he said.

He also asked farmers to register for crop insurance so that they can get suitable compensation for the crop loss. “The officials concerned in all the taluks should create awareness among farmers about the procedures that should be followed to get their crops insured,” he said.

In order to find a permanent solution to the drinking water problem in the region the State government has intensified the work on the Upper Bhadra Project. “The project might see the light of day by the end of next year,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Srirangaiah and other officials were present.

Source - http://www.thehindu.com