Why Karnataka Could Be Heading for a Major Drought This Year | Ground Report

[00:00:02]Karnataka is staring at drought after one of its weakest starts to the southwest monsoon in recent years. June ended with a massive 42% rainfall deficit, making it the fourth driest June in the state's last 50 years. Out of Karnataka's 31 districts, 21 have recorded severe rainfall deficiency, delaying [music] sowing, shrinking reservoir levels, and leaving thousands of farmers anxious about the months ahead.

[00:00:27]>> The state government has sought central assessment of the drought situation.

[00:00:32]Well, the farmers are hoping that there might be some kind of relief from both state and the central government much before it is a blown-out drought situation in the state.

[00:00:44]And everything depends upon the progress of the monsoon. If at all if they can recover, or will they have a better agriculture season?

[00:00:55]>> For many here, the crisis extends far beyond crops.

[00:00:58]With grazing lands drying up and water resources shrinking, livestock owners are struggling to feed and protect their animals.

[00:01:23]Horticulture farmers say months of hard work have yielded little, leaving them with poor harvest, falling [music] prices, and growing debt.

[00:01:45]With the situation worsening, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed deputy commissioners across the state to prepare for a possible drought and step up contingency measures. But even as farmers battle the weather, politics has taken center stage. The Congress and the opposition are trading charges over who's responsible for the state's preparedness.

[00:02:05]>> Honorable Chief Minister Mr. D.K.

[00:02:06]Shivakumar had visited Kalburgi last Tuesday and he had reviewed the situation the drought situation in the entire in that region of all the seven districts.

[00:02:17]Government is working towards the drought situation, but the BJP the opposition have got nothing to say against the government. That's why they're raking up these issues.

[00:02:25]>> Here drought in our uh state around uh regarding 149 taluks are suffering from drought. It must be announced by the government.

[00:02:34]They should announce this are the drought area. They should announce immediately and what all facilities uh they should give regarding water, fodder, and uh food kits like that. They should give immediately. We are We are urging this government.

[00:02:50]>> The Met Department has forecast better rainfall in the coming days. For many farmers have already missed their crucial sowing season, this isn't just about rainfall, it's about their livelihood, their future, and their only source of hope.

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