In the heart of Kalaburagi, frustration is boiling over. Farmers and activists gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday, their voices rising against what they see as a glaring oversight: despite clear signs of drought, not a single taluk in this Karnataka district has been officially declared drought-hit.

Key facts

  • Kalaburagi recorded a 54% rainfall deficit overall
  • June saw 36% less rain than normal; July plummeted to 84% below average
  • Sowing occurred on less than 30% of the targeted area
  • Protesters demand ₹25,000 per acre compensation for crop losses

The Rainfall Deficit That Speaks Volumes

The numbers tell a stark story. Kalaburagi district has endured a 54% shortfall in rainfall this season. June was bad enough, with 36% less rain than usual. But July brought a crushing 84% deficit—a dry spell that left fields parched and hopes withered. Soil moisture vanished, vegetation wilted, and sowing ground to a halt on less than a third of the intended land.

A Protest Rooted in Desperation

CPI(M) members didn’t just raise slogans; they handed over a memorandum to the Chief Minister via the Deputy Commissioner, urging immediate action. Their demands are straightforward: declare Kalaburagi drought-hit, waive farmers’ loans, and start relief works without delay. They also called for fodder banks and drinking water centers for livestock, recognizing that the crisis extends beyond crops.

CPI(M) district secretary K. Neela argued that the existing criteria should be revised to take into account changing climatic conditions and the impact of rainfall deficiency on agriculture.

The Criteria Question

At the heart of the dispute lies the government’s drought assessment framework, which follows the Union government’s Drought Manual, 2016, and State Revenue Department guidelines. CPI(M) leaders insist these criteria are outdated, failing to capture the grim reality on the ground. They’re urging BJP MPs from the state to push for a review at the national level, hoping for a system that reflects what farmers actually endure.

Broader Demands for Rural Support

Labour leader Bheemshetty Yempalli amplified the call for wider measures, including 200 days of employment under the VB-G RAM G scheme to curb migration from rural areas. It’s a reminder that drought isn’t just about crops—it’s about jobs, stability, and survival.