DK Shivakumar Seeks Drought Relief, Better Sugarcane Prices. (Img: X)
Bengaluru: Citing extensive agricultural losses, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the release of Rs 22,400.58 crore in drought relief sought by the state. He also raised the concerns of sugarcane farmers.
Speaking at a gathering attended by PM Modi at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), CM said the state had recorded its second-lowest rainfall in 70 years. He said that as many as 226 of the state's 240 taluks had been declared drought-affected and nearly 58 lakh hectares of crops suffered damage. He said that estimated agricultural losses stood at Rs 62,482 crore.
CM Shivakumar also handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister, seeking financial assistance for Karnataka farmers affected by the drought.
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He said the state had sought Rs 22,400.58 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and urged the Centre to approve and release the amount without further delay.
He also spoke about the problems faced by sugarcane farmers. He said that growers were demanding Rs 5,500 per tonne for the 2026-27 season, against the existing Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 3,650 per tonne.
He also called for an increase in the minimum support price of sugar, which has not changed since 2019, and is presently at Rs 31 per kg. The Chief Minister further urged the Centre to ensure Karnataka received an equitable share of ethanol allocation.
I submitted a detailed memorandum to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, placing Karnataka’s key infrastructure priorities and pressing concerns before the Union Government. I have outlined the following demands for urgent consideration:
1. Metro Financing and Reforms: Ensure a fairer Centre-State financial partnership, shared responsibility for operational losses and foreign-exchange risks, affordable long-term loans, time-bound approvals, realistic city-specific cost assessments and a National Technical Institution for Metros.
2. Double-Decker Infrastructure: Grant permission for double-decker road and Metro infrastructure wherever technically feasible, safe and economically justified, with Karnataka ready to bear the additional cost.
3. Bengaluru Metro Phase 3A: Grant early approval for the Sarjapur-Hebbal Red Line to strengthen connectivity across major residential and employment centres and improve access towards the airport.
4. Drought Relief: Expedite the approval and release of ₹22,400.58 crore in NDRF assistance to support farmers facing severe crop losses, drinking water shortages and fodder scarcity.
5. Sugarcane Farmers: Address farmers’ demand for ₹5,500 per tonne against the 2026-27 FRP of ₹3,650, revise the Sugar MSP and introduce policy reforms that account for returns from ethanol and other by-products.
6. Western Ghats: Reconsider the Eco-Sensitive Area notification under the Kasturirangan Report, undertake a ground-level survey and consult Karnataka while protecting the livelihoods of people living in the region.
I look forward to the Union Government’s positive consideration of these demands. Karnataka is committed to working constructively with the Centre to advance infrastructure, protect farmers’ interests and safeguard the livelihoods of our people.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 13, 2026
He highlighting the Karnataka's role in India's industrial, technological and scientific progress, Chief Minister recalled several milestones achieved by the state.
He said Shivanasamudra generated Asia's first electricity in 1902 to power the Kolar Gold Fields. Bengaluru became India's first electrified city, while Karnataka was also home to the country's first aircraft manufacturing facility, established by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
He further pointed out that Karnataka was the first state to introduce an industrial policy and a dedicated startup policy. Bengaluru also hosted Texas Instruments' first global research and development centre in India and the country's first iPhone assembly plant.
Stressing the importance of cooperation between the Centre and states, he said Karnataka was prepared to fulfil its responsibilities and work closely with the Union Government.
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Called For Stronger Centre-State Cooperation (Img: X)
Invoking Basavanna's philosophy of Kayakave Kailasa and the Bhagavad Gita's message of performing one's duty sincerely, he called for governments to remain committed to public service.
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Quoting Kuvempu's vision of Vishwamanava, he said governance should move beyond narrow boundaries and focus on the welfare of everyone.
“The people's mandate gives political parties the responsibility to govern, but their ultimate goal should always be to serve people and improve the quality of life of every citizen,” he said.
