Agrarian Unrest Grows in Karnataka Amid Monsoon and El Nino Fears

Bengaluru: Southwest monsoon is traditionally a season of hope for Karnataka’s farmers. From the rain-fed fields of Chamarajanagar in the south to the vast farmlands of Bidar in the north, the arrival of monsoon usually marks the beginning of sowing and a host of other agricultural activities, keeping rural households occupied until October.

This year, however, the season has unfolded very differently. Even as monsoon has covered the entire state, thousands of farmers have taken to the streets, protesting against land acquisition for industrial projects, delays in irrigation works, inadequate supply of seeds and fertilisers, and a host of unresolved agrarian issues. The growing unrest comes at a time when forecasts indicate the possible emergence of El Niño conditions, raising fresh concerns over rainfall and agricultural productivity.

What has further deepened the anxiety is the absence of a full-time agriculture minister in Karnataka. Amid the uncertainties, TOI takes a look at the major agrarian crises unfolding across Karnataka.

—

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Bengaluru South

Project: Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT)
Location: Bidadi
Land Notified: 7,500 acres
Affected villages: 9

Chikkaballapur

Project: Sir M Visvesvaraya Deep Tech Park
Location: Jangamakote in Shidlaghatta taluk
Land required: 2,823 acres
Affected villages: 13

Project: Permanent irrigation facility
Location: Kolar & Chikkaballapur
Demand: Clean, safe water for potable and irrigation purposes

Tumakuru

Project: HAL Phase-2
Location: Gubbi
Land required: 150-200 acres
Affected villages: 5

Project: Hemavathi Express Link Canal
Location: Gubbi to Kunigal
Land required: 80 acres
Affected villages: 8

Mysuru

Project: Nimhans model hospital & de-addiction centre
Location: Gudumadanahalli, Mysuru Taluk
Land required: 20 acres
Affected village: One

Project: KIADB Industrial Park
Location: Chikkayyanachatra, Nanjangud
Land required: 1,123 acres
Affected villages: 4