MB Patil Seeks Scientific Report On Crop Damage In Vijayapura
Patil, who reviewed the drought situation in the district, said rain-dependent agriculture had become increasingly difficult and many farmers were facing severe hardship.
Vijayapura: With deficient rainfall leaving crops under moisture stress in several parts of Vijayapura district, Large and Medium Industries Minister and Vijayapura in-charge MB Patil has directed officials to prepare a scientifically accurate report on crop damage, supported by photographs from affected fields, so that the actual extent of losses can be assessed and relief sought for farmers.
Patil, who reviewed the drought situation in the district, said rain-dependent agriculture had become increasingly difficult and many farmers were facing severe hardship.
He said he had personally inspected tur, cotton, sunflower and sugarcane crops along with farmers and officials and would bring the situation to the Chief Minister's attention.
Patil said moisture stress had affected crop growth, with fewer branches, flowers and pods reported in tur and cotton, while sugarcane and sunflower crops were also showing signs of reduced yield potential.
“I have clearly instructed officials to submit a factual report based on the ground reality, without any errors,” he told reporters at the Deputy Commissioner's office on Monday.
Despite the crop concerns, he said there was no immediate drinking-water shortage as the Almatti and Narayanpur reservoirs had sufficient water. More than 94 percent storage was available in the district's reservoirs, he said. The government has released Rs 4 crore through the Task Force Committee and Rs 1 crore for each Assembly constituency, taking the drinking-water allocation to Rs 12 crore.
The district has around 383,089 metric tonnes of dry fodder, enough for about 28 weeks, for its estimated 2.69 lakh large and 8.06 lakh small livestock, Patil said.
Patil continued his field inspection for the second day on Monday, visiting drought-hit areas of Vijayapura district and taking stock of crop damage and the difficulties faced by farmers.
Patil visited Sarawad village in Babaleshwar taluk, where he interacted with farmers and heard their concerns over the deteriorating crop situation. The minister inspected fields where tur, maize and onion had been cultivated and expressed concern over the poor growth of crops amid the prevailing drought conditions.
