Shivakumar Seeks Central Aid As Karnataka Faces Drought (Img: X)
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has announced that 226 talukas in the state have been declared drought-affected, covering nearly 57 lakh hectares of farmland. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite drought relief and provide financial assistance to farmers struggling with drought.
In a letter dated November 4, CM Shivakumar sought a special financial package for Bengaluru's infrastructure development, early release of drought assistance and the Centre's intervention to address the demands of sugarcane farmers. The letter was written in response to Modi's greetings on Karnataka Rajyotsava, ahead of his proposed visit to inaugurate the Pink Line of Namma Metro.
"Karnataka has always stood at the forefront of India's growth and progress...We are not asking for special privileges. We are seeking our rightful share, fair treatment and the support that our State deserves," Shivakumar wrote.
I have written to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi in response to his letter on Karnataka Rajyotsava, placing before him the key priorities of our State and seeking the Union Government’s support and timely intervention on several important issues.
From Bengaluru’s infrastructure and connectivity needs, including a special financial package, to the Mekedatu, Kalasa-Banduri, Upper Bhadra, Upper Krishna and Yettinahole projects, I have highlighted the need to expedite pending approvals and financial assistance. I have also raised issues concerning rural development, drinking water, Jal Jeevan Mission, the proposed AI University in Bengaluru, AIIMS in Raichur, sugarcane farmers’ demands, fair pricing, ethanol policy and urgent drought relief. The letter also highlights the importance of strengthening education, skill development, research and employment opportunities for our youth.
I have sought the Prime Minister’s personal intervention and reiterated my request for an all-party delegation from Karnataka to meet him and discuss the pressing concerns of our farmers and people. I believe that cooperative federalism must translate into meaningful support and equitable development for every State.
Our Government remains committed to safeguarding Karnataka’s interests, addressing the needs of our people and ensuring balanced and inclusive progress across every region of the State.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 5, 2026
Highlighting the drought situation, Shivakumar said Karnataka received 551 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 30, against the normal 852 mm, marking a deficit of 35 per cent. He described it as the second-lowest South-West Monsoon rainfall in 70 years since 1956.
According to the Chief Minister, 237 talukas experienced three or more consecutive weeks without adequate rainfall, while nearly 11.97 lakh hectares remained unsown against the target of 84.10 lakh hectares.
The state's major reservoirs held around 529 TMC of water against their combined capacity of 814 TMC. Drinking water was being supplied through 227 tankers and 720 hired borewells across 861 villages. Around 2,300 gram panchayats could face water shortages in the coming months.
The state has released Rs 2,500 per farmer from its own resources and submitted a memorandum seeking Central assistance.
"I request the Union Government to kindly expedite the release of the assistance sought in the State's memorandum to assist affected farmers without delay," he said.
Shivakumar also highlighted the pressure on Bengaluru's roads, public transport and civic infrastructure due to its expanding population and economic activity. He sought a special financial package, arguing that the city needed greater support to sustain its growth.
"The city that has contributed so much to India's growth deserves the infrastructure and support it needs to grow further," he said.
He also sought the Centre's cooperation in securing defence land at appropriate prices to ease traffic congestion and speeding up funding and approvals for major irrigation projects, including Mekedatu, Kalasa-Banduri, Upper Bhadra, Upper Krishna and Yettinahole.
The Chief Minister also called for Central intervention to resolve the concerns of sugarcane farmers. Referring to a meeting held on October 26 with farmers, their representatives and sugar mill owners, he said the state had taken steps to improve transparency in weighing and sugar recovery.
He said all 81 operating sugar mills had digital weighbridges and that 99.85 per cent of sugarcane dues for the year had been paid.
However, farmers are demanding prices based on the production cost plus 50 per cent formula and restoration of the base recovery rate for Fair and Remunerative Price to 9.5 per cent.
Shivakumar urged the Centre to revise the minimum selling price of sugar, unchanged at Rs 31 per kg since February 2019, and review ethanol pricing and related directives.
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He also reiterated his request for an appointment with Modi, seeking an opportunity for an all-party delegation to discuss drought relief and sugarcane farmers' concerns.
"The Central team has already visited the State and discussed with farmers and officials. Our delegation would like to brief you on this issue and also seek your help in a positive increase of prices for farmers and thereby increasing their incomes," he said.
Emphasising cooperative federalism, Shivakumar urged the Centre to address Karnataka's concerns, particularly those of farmers awaiting relief, families facing drinking water shortages and citizens seeking better urban infrastructure.
