Question : Compensation to Farmers

(a) whether the Government is aware that thousands of farmers suffered great losses due to non-availability of water for irrigation and the defunct bore wells in their land due to continuous drought in Karnataka;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received many representations for providing compensation to farmers who suffered due to defunct bore wells and incurred losses; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to provide compensations under the drought relief scheme to such affected farmers?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) & (b): Due to deficit rainfall during South West Monsoon 2016 (June-September) and North East Monsoon 2016 (October-December), leading to inadequate availability of water for drinking and irrigation, the Government of Karnataka declared drought in 26 districts and 30 districts during Kharif 2016-17 and Rabi 2016-17, respectively. 3635721.74 ha area during Kharif drought and 1371769.29 ha area during Rabi drought have been affected with crop loss of 33% or more in the State.

(c) & (d): Some representations have been received to provide compensation to farmers on account of loss occurred due to drought. State Governments are primarily responsible for taking necessary relief in the wake of natural calamities and are empowered to initiate immediate relief measures to address the situation arising out of any natural calamity. Government of India supplements the efforts of state Governments with financial assistance. For undertaking relief measures, funds are available with the State Government in the form of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Additional financial assistance, over and above SDRF, is considered from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for natural calamities of severe nature and is approved on the basis of Memorandum received from State Government in accordance with established procedure, keeping in view items and norms in vogue for assistance. Entire Central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2016-17 amounting to Rs. 217.50 crore has been released to the State, for taking immediate measures in the wake of natural calamities including drought.

In response to the Memorandum submitted by the State Government, for Kharif 2016 drought, the Government of India approved an amount of Rs. 1782.44 crores to the State under NDRF. The State Government also submitted a Memorandum for Rabi 2016-17 drought, seeking financial assistance from NDRF, which is under consideration.
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