Yadgir district has been grappling with the aftermath of relentless monsoon rains, which have caused widespread devastation to agricultural fields and residential properties along the banks of the Krishna and Bhima rivers.
Official reports paint a grim picture: a tragic loss of 23 animals, 104 homes either partially or completely destroyed, and an staggering 1.18 lakh hectares of standing crops wiped out.
In response to the crisis, a crucial joint survey is currently underway, involving officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Revenue departments. Their mission is to thoroughly assess the damage, with a comprehensive report anticipated soon.
On Saturday, Deputy Commissioner Harshal Bhoyar personally visited the worst-hit areas, including rain- and flood-affected villages in Shorapur and Hunsagi taluks.
During his visit, Mr. Bhoyar meticulously inspected damaged crops, particularly tomato and cotton fields, and issued clear directives to officers: accelerate the joint survey process and submit the findings without delay to facilitate further action.
While preliminary assessments indicate crop damage spanning 1.18 lakh hectares, officials anticipate this figure could rise significantly once the detailed survey is fully completed.
Meanwhile, farmers’ organizations are vocally urging the State government to act swiftly. They demand the immediate release of compensation for crop losses, emphasizing the dire financial strain on farmers.
Mallikarjun Satyampet, a prominent farmers’ leader, articulated their plight: “Farmers have invested substantial amounts in purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals for the monsoon season, even spraying pesticides on cotton to fend off infestations. Now, torrential rains and floods have utterly destroyed everything, leading to immense losses. The State government must step in and provide interim compensation to protect our farmers.”