Karnataka Seeks Billions in Central Aid for Severe Drought

The Government of Karnataka has requested urgent financial assistance from the Union Government to combat a severe drought that has affected 217 of the state's 240 taluks. State officials report a 58 percent rainfall deficiency as of September, causing widespread crop losses across 47.09 lakh hectares. Estimated losses for the Kharif 2026 season are projected to exceed 55 lakh hectares, with current economic damages estimated at ₹46,324.5 crore.

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have both petitioned the central government for ₹3,705.30 crore in relief under National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara further requested ₹7,142.64 crore, arguing that current input subsidies are inadequate compared to actual cultivation costs. The state has already provided ₹2,500 in relief to affected farmers.

In addition to funding, state leaders have demanded a revision of assistance norms, including the use of updated Bhoomi land records for subsidies instead of outdated 2015-16 census data. A Central Inter-Ministerial Drought Assessment Team, led by Joint Secretary Ajit Kumar Sahu, arrived in Karnataka on October 3 for a three-day tour to collect data and submit an objective report on the damage.