Karnataka seeks ₹7,143 crore in central aid for drought relief
Karnataka seeks ₹7,143 crore in central aid for drought relief
IN · Published Oct 4, 2026
• The Karnataka government has requested ₹7,142.64 crore in financial assistance from the Centre to address drought-related losses during the 2026 kharif season.
• Initially, ₹3,705.30 crore was sought for 101 drought-affected taluks, but an additional ₹3,437.34 crore was requested after 76 more taluks were declared drought-hit, bringing the total to 177 taluks.

Impact & Risks

The drought has caused significant crop damage, affecting 27.57 lakh hectares in 76 taluks, including 26.08 lakh hectares of agricultural crops and 1.49 lakh hectares of horticultural crops. Farmers are facing financial losses due to reduced yields in key crops such as red gram, maize, and cotton. The rainfall deficit has also impacted drinking water availability and grass growth, exacerbating the challenges for farmers and rural communities. The state government estimates total drought-related losses at ₹46,324.50 crore, highlighting the severity of the situation.

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