Karnataka announces drought relief of ₹2,500 and loan moratorium for farmers

…and another 50 taluks where ground truthing exercise is under way may join the list. Initial estimates made by the government, on losses caused by drought in the State, is pegged at about ₹40,000 crore. “ Anticipating funding from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), the government will provide every farmer a one time relief of ₹2,500 in the first phase ,” the Deputy Chief Minister said. Mr. Parameshwara said that micro finance companies had been warned of criminal action if they harassed farmers on repayment. Cooperation Minister Laxman Savadi told the House that…

…Leader of Opposition R. Ashok, who had earlier sought a loan waiver for the farmers, termed the relief amount as “pittance”. He said the government had failed to understand the ground reality of drought. “ Daily wages in the State range between ₹600 and ₹1,200, and the relief announced is insignificant. You cannot get even half a quintal of ragi ,” Mr. Ashok said. In protest against “meagre compensation”, about a dozen Opposition legislators, who were present in the House, staged a walkout. Published - September 24, 2026 09:53 pm IST…