Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday, 4 September conducted a ground-level drought survey across four taluks of Bagalkot district, finding that crops had failed uniformly across every area he visited. The Chief Minister inspected farmers' fields and announced that the state government would assess relief measures for those hit by widespread crop failure.

What Shivakumar Found on the Ground

After inspecting fields in Shirur village, Shivakumar said sunflower, chilli, horse gram, and pigeon pea crops had all suffered extensive damage. 'I have visited four taluks in Bagalkot district, and nowhere have the crops come up properly. There is no sunflower, chilli, horse gram, or pigeon pea. Some farmers have cultivated 20 to 30 acres and say they have crop insurance. I will discuss the situation with officials and MLAs and see what relief can be provided,' he said.

The Chief Minister cautioned against judging crop health by appearance alone. 'The crop may look green, but that does not mean there will be a yield. Sunflower has dried up, and chilli crops have been affected by disease,' he said. Bagalkot has recorded around 40 per cent rainfall deficiency, and drought conditions have affected several parts of the district, according to Shivakumar.

Call for Central Loan Waiver

Shivakumar urged the Union government to step in and consider a farm loan waiver, invoking the precedent set during the Manmohan Singh-led government. 'The Centre should come to the assistance of farmers. This is the responsibility of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Its leaders should put pressure on the Centre and the Prime Minister to waive farmers' loans. The previous government under Manmohan Singh had done it. They should also do it now,' he said.

The Chief Minister said he had studied the costs incurred by farmers on sowing, cultivation, and tractor operations and was examining what further assistance could be extended.

Crop Insurance Delays and Irregularities

Shivakumar acknowledged that previous crop insurance claims were yet to be released and said he was holding meetings to resolve the backlog. Responding to allegations of a ₹30 crore irregularity in the Fasal Bima Yojana in Bagalkot, he said the problem extended well beyond the district. 'This is a statewide network. There is a big network in insurance. I will call for a report and hold a meeting in Bengaluru,' he said.

Directives to Officials and What Comes Next

At a district drought review meeting, Shivakumar directed officials to conduct field visits, prioritise drinking water supply, and ensure fodder kits reached farmers. He said ₹1 crore had already been allocated to each Assembly constituency to address drinking water shortages. He also warned officials against misrepresenting the situation to visiting Central teams: 'When the Central team comes, officials should not give them false information. They should tell them the facts.'

The Chief Minister announced that a special Assembly session would be convened to discuss farmers' issues, and directed police to act against illegal moneylending networks and rowdy elements operating in the district. He also flagged that 16,391 votes in Bagalkot district had not been mapped under the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, with 35,061 notices still pending. A Central assessment team is expected to visit the district, and the state's relief package is under active deliberation.