The drought has severely impacted Karnataka's agricultural sector, with 226 taluks officially declared as drought-affected. The damage to 58 lakh hectares of crops has caused significant financial losses, estimated at Rs 62,482 crore. Farmers, particularly sugarcane growers, are facing economic hardships and are demanding an increase in the price of sugarcane to Rs 5,500 per tonne, compared to the current Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 3,650 per tonne. The prolonged drought conditions could exacerbate rural distress and affect the livelihoods of millions of farmers in the state.