The Zilla Raitha Horata Samiti (Zilla Farmers’ Struggle Committee) in Kalaburagi has issued a stern warning to the State government: if outstanding crop insurance claims are not settled within a week, they will launch intensified protests.
During a press conference on Saturday, Samiti leaders Avvanna Myakeri and Basavaraj Ingin highlighted the severity of the situation. They stated that while the State government approved crop insurance claims totaling ₹667.73 crore for Kalaburagi farmers who suffered significant losses in March 2025, only ₹340.99 crore has actually been released and deposited into farmers’ accounts.
Adding to the frustration, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge had assured farmers on September 10 that the remaining ₹326.83 crore in claims would be released within a week. However, more than two weeks later, these promised payments have yet to materialize.
Mr. Myakeri strongly criticized Minister Kharge, alleging that his promise was merely a tactic to prevent farmers from disrupting the Chief Minister’s visit to Kalaburagi for the Kalyana Karnataka Utsav on September 17.
The Samiti members reiterated their commitment to escalating their agitation if the government fails to promptly release the pending crop insurance funds.
Beyond the insurance claims, Mr. Myakeri and Mr. Ingin also called upon the State government to provide an additional ₹307 crore in crop loss compensation to farmers whose crops were not insured.
Further demands from the Samiti include a compensation of ₹25,000 per acre for farmers facing severe financial distress, and ₹5 lakh in aid for families whose homes were completely destroyed by recent heavy rains and floods.
Moreover, the Samiti urged the State government to formulate a robust and permanent rehabilitation plan for 17 villages in Afzalpur taluk and four villages each in Jewargi and Chittapur, all situated along the banks of the Bhima River, which are prone to flooding.
Mr. Ingin confirmed that the Samiti plans to hold a crucial meeting on September 30 to finalize their next steps and course of action.