DK Shivakumar assures farmers of full drought compensation (Img: X)
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has assured drought-affected farmers that every eligible beneficiary will receive the full Rs 5,000 in compensation. He clarified that the amount credited so far is only the first instalment.
In a post on X, CM Shivakumar clarified that farmers who had received Rs 2,000 would get the remaining Rs 3,000, while those credited with Rs 2,500 would receive the balance in the next instalment. He stressed that there should not be any confusion over the government's commitment to the full compensation.
The welfare of our farmers remains a priority for our government. Every eligible farmer is entitled to the full ₹5,000 in drought compensation, and there should be no confusion about this.
The amount credited so far is only the first instalment. Farmers who received ₹2,000 will receive the remaining ₹3,000, while those who received ₹2,500 will receive the balance ₹2,500 in the next instalment. We have also enhanced compensation for rain-fed, irrigated and perennial crops, going beyond SDRF/NDRF norms with additional support from the State Government's own resources.
Our Government will ensure that every eligible drought-affected farmer receives the full compensation due to them.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 10, 2026
Karnataka CM said the government had also enhanced compensation for rain-fed, irrigated and perennial crops beyond the prescribed SDRF/NDRF norms, using additional resources from the state budget.
The state has sought Rs 22,400.58 crore from the Centre under the National Disaster Response Fund (Img: IANS)
"Our Government will ensure that every eligible drought-affected farmer receives the full compensation due to them," he said.
The Karnataka government has declared 226 taluks drought-affected following deficient rainfall during the southwest monsoon.
The state received 495 mm of rainfall against the normal 766 mm, marking an overall deficit of 35 per cent. South Interior Karnataka recorded a 47 per cent shortfall, followed by North Interior Karnataka at 42 per cent, Malnad Karnataka at 37 per cent and Coastal Karnataka at 27 per cent.
"Of the 31 districts, 30 are facing deficit rainfall," the chief minister said.
According to the joint survey, sowing was carried out across 69.57 lakh hectares against the target of 84.10 lakh hectares. Crop damage was reported across 57.93 lakh hectares, with the estimated loss pegged at Rs 62,488.1 crore.
The state has sought Rs 22,400.58 crore from the Centre under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The demand includes Rs 7,943.55 crore for crop loss compensation, Rs 1,727 crore for drinking water, Rs 583.04 crore for livestock protection and Rs 12,146.99 crore as ex-gratia assistance for 61.91 lakh small and marginal farmers.
Chief Minister said the state government had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Agriculture and Home Ministers more than five times, seeking relaxation of NDRF norms and the release of drought assistance.
