Karnataka Drought Crisis: Farmers Face Mounting Losses As Crops Wither Without Rain

A failed monsoon is pushing farmers across Karnataka deeper into losses and debt. In Tumakuru, farmers who invested lakhs in tomatoes, ragi, flowers and jowar say their crops have withered due to inadequate rainfall. The state has estimated crop losses of nearly ₹46,325 crore across 177 drought-hit taluks, while 217 of Karnataka’s 240 taluks have been declared drought-affected. The state government has sought more than ₹7,000 crore in drought relief, with a central team now conducting a three-day ground assessment. In Dharwad, rainfall is reportedly 48% below normal, with around 2.88 lakh hectares of agricultural land reporting poor crop yields and nearly 1.88 lakh farmers affected. The drought has also triggered a political clash between the Congress government and the BJP over the response and relief package.