NEWS: Karnataka government to declare 53 more taluks drought-affected, taking total to 177 out of 240 taluks.

Key Facts

• First phase → 101 taluks declared drought-affected.
• Second phase → 23 taluks added.
• Now → 53 more taluks proposed.
• Total → 177 of 240 taluks.

Rainfall Situation

• Normal annual rainfall → ~852 mm
• Recorded rainfall → ~642 mm
• Average rainfall deficit → 36%
• South Interior Karnataka → 46% deficit
• North Interior Karnataka → 44%
• Malnad → 38%
• Coastal region → 28%

Agriculture Impact

• 82% of crops in rain-fed areas reported lost.
• Erratic rainfall affected germination and subsequent crop growth.
• Farmers in several areas attempted re-sowing, but crops were again damaged.

Historical Context

• State government compared the present drought conditions with the 1876 drought.
• Conditions were described as among the most severe in the last 150 years.