1. Karnataka likely to declare extent of drought on September 4
The decision to recommend drought hit areas will be taken on September 4 when the Cabinet sub-committee on drought related issues will meet while the extent of crop damage due to deficit rainfall will be known in the next 10 days. Though sowing has been completed in 81% of the target area, farmers may not get the expected yield as the dry spell in the State has continued, Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has said.
Government data shows that as against the normal 660 mm rainfall expected between June 1 and August 30, the State has received 446 mm rainfall, resulting in 26% deficit. In 29 districts, a 70% deficit rainfall has been recorded in August, and rainfall has not been recorded for three consecutive weeks. Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy pointed out that in the 36 notified crops eligible for insurance, 16.23 lakh farmers have registered bringing crops in 15.31 lakh hectares under the insurance cover.
