Banks Must Not Pressure Farmers Over Agricultural Loan Repayments, Says Minister
Lakshman Savadi says Karnataka will approach the Centre for special financial assistance as drought losses are estimated at ₹54,000 crore.
Uttara Kannada (Fikrokhabar News): Karnataka Cooperation Minister and District In charge Minister Lakshman Savadi has instructed banks not to put pressure on farmers for repayment of agricultural loans under any circumstances, particularly in view of the severe drought affecting the state.
Speaking to the media after the Kannada Rajyotsava programme at the Police Parade Ground, Savadi said Karnataka was facing its worst drought in five decades, resulting in estimated losses of around ₹54,000 crore.
He said the state government was preparing to take an all party delegation to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister and Union Agriculture Minister and seek relief for affected farmers along with special financial assistance for Karnataka.
According to the minister, more than 230 taluks in the state have already been declared drought affected, causing severe damage to agriculture and several other sectors. He said the state had already submitted a request to the Central Government seeking assistance to address the losses.
Savadi pointed out that Karnataka contributes the second highest amount of GST in the country and said the state was entitled to receive appropriate drought relief and financial assistance. He urged the Centre to take the situation seriously and release the necessary funds without delay.
Regarding agricultural loans, the minister said the state government had issued clear instructions to banks not to harass farmers over repayment during this difficult period.
He assured that the government was taking precautionary measures to protect farmers from action such as property seizure and auction proceedings over unpaid loans. The government, he added, was committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests and extending the necessary support to those affected by the drought.