Deficient rainfall has led to a severe drought in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala with 54 out of 76 districts in the three states facing acute water shortage that has left farmers the worst hit.
In Karnataka, where the northeast monsoon (Oct to Dec) has been 79% deficient, water in major reservoirs is down by half, drinking water is getting scarce and migration has been reported from many villages, government officials said.
Uppukunte village in Kolar district of Karnataka used to bustle with activity at this time of the year after a good harvest with preparations for sowing. Now half of the villagers have migrated to Bengaluru about 65 km away looking for work as the drought tightens its grip.
“It is the worst ever drought I have ever seen in my life,” said agri economist Prakash Kammardi, 60, who heads the Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission.
“I have seen many droughts, but this time there is not enough water even for drinking,” said 62-year-old farmer Muniyappa, standing next to a dried pond from which he used to provide water to animals and irrigate his eight acre farm. His ragi crop has failed and he cannot even use it as fodder for the three cows he has.
“I have to now pay Rs 25,000 for procuring one tractor-load of fodder, which will last for three months,” he added.
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