The farmers in several parts of Karnataka have experienced a severe drought which was not experienced in the past 40 years in the state. In order to mitigate their sufferings, the Karnataka state government has proclaimed Rs 3,500-crore package waiving farms loan up to Rs 25,000. This step taken by the state government would benefit 16 lakh farmers’ families in the state.
The Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has stated that farmers who have taken farm loans from agriculture cooperative societies between August 1 last year and June 30, up to Rs 25,000 including interest would be waived off.
In order to tackle the situation the Chief Minister on July 17 had submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking an immediate Central assistance of Rs 2,000 crore. Further, the Chief Minister has also requested to assess the latest situation and release interim relief for which a study team be sent to the state. 123 talukas under 24 districts were declared drought-affected due to failure of monsoon in 2011 and the situation extended beyond the monsoon season of 2012.