Bengaluru, Sep 29: In what came as an indication of a third straight drought year, Karnataka has declared 68 taluks in 22 districts as drought affected, including 16 taluks in the Cauvery Basin from Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts.
The state, which has already issued advisories to farmers against sowing water-intensive crops (like paddy and sugarcane) is also battling in the Supreme Court against release of water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
After the cabinet meeting, law and Parliamentary affairs minister TB Jayachandra said that the number of taluks affected can go up. Last year Karnataka had declared over 100 taluks as drought-hit.
Those declared as affected areas have received at least 20% deficient rainfall with 50% less moisture leading to a minimum of 33% crop loss.
Last month, Karnataka recorded 40% less rainfall than the normal rainfall, adding to the woes. The normal rainfall is 206mm but the state saw only 126mm of rain.
Having already lost nearly 70% of its winter harvest due to the failure of the Kharif crop, the State has sought Rs 2,263 crore assistance from the Centre.
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