Question : Drought Assistance

(a) whether the Government is aware that due to frequent drought in Karnataka there is acute shortage of foodgrains, fodder and drinking water in the State;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is considering to provide any special package to the State Government to overcome these shortages as there is also decline in foodgrains production in the State;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other necessary steps/remedial measures taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) & (b): In view of the deficit Monsoon, in the last 10 years Government of Karnataka has submitted memorandum to Government of India seeking financial assistance in the wake of drought during the years of 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The year-wise details of assistance approved are at Annexure.

(c) to (e): Government has enacted National Food Security Act (NFSA) under which subsidised foodgrains are provided to the State/UTs. Karnataka has implemented NFSA w.e.f. January, 2014 and identified 100% beneficiaries prescribed under the Act. Based on the identification of beneficiaries Government of India is presently making a monthly allocation of 1,65,000 tons of rice @Rs.3 per Kg and 52,403 tons of wheat @ Rs.2 per kg to the Karnataka under NFSA. The State Government of Karnataka has not sent any request for additional allocation of foodgrain during the current year either for drought or under TPDS.

At present there is a stock of 104.44 lakh MT of fodder available with the farmers, which will be sufficient for 22 weeks in the States. 52 Fodder banks are functioning in the State where fodder is provided at 50% subsidy and 6 Goshalas are functioning with an average of 3333 cattle heads every day.