District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Sunday visited farmlands in several villages of Ramdurg taluk and inspected crops damaged due to erratic rainfall.
Jarkiholi inspected damaged cotton crops at Hulakunda, maize and onion crops at Chippalakatti, cotton at Bijaguppi and maize crops at Kadampur.
Agriculture Department Joint Director H.D. Kolekar said Ramdurg taluk had received 18 per cent more rainfall than normal. However, heavy rain was recorded only on a few days, followed by an 18-day dry spell, resulting in crop damage.
Assembly Chief Whip Ashok Pattan said around 40 per cent of farmers in Ramdurg taluk had opted for crop insurance and urged the government to ensure that eligible farmers receive their insurance claims without delay.
Jarkiholi said preliminary surveys had reported crop damage across around 65,000 hectares in Belagavi district. With rainfall remaining deficient, the extent of damage could increase if the district does not receive adequate rainfall over the next 10 days.
Around 95 per cent of sowing has been completed in the district. Although many fields continue to appear green, the lack of moisture has significantly reduced the prospects of a good yield, he said.
A fresh and comprehensive assessment will be conducted after 10 days based on the prevailing rainfall and crop conditions. A final report will then be submitted to the government, Jarkiholi said.
He added that the Chief Minister would be urged to declare an interim drought situation in the district without waiting for the Central drought assessment team.
There is currently no shortage of drinking water in the district. However, if the dry spell continues, water scarcity could emerge and the drought situation could spread to more taluks, he warned.
The state government is also considering temporary financial assistance for farmers facing difficulties due to crop losses, Jarkiholi said.
District Collector Mohammed Roshan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde and Tahsildar Prakash Gaikwad were present during the visit.