Karnataka CM Shivakumar Urges Centre To Release Rs 22,400 Crore Drought Relief Funds

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the release of <b>Rs 22,400.58 crore</b> in drought relief funds. Addressing the severe crisis, the Chief Minister noted that 226 out of 240 taluks are drought-affected, with nearly 58 lakh hectares of crops suffering damage. The state estimates total losses at Rs 62,482 crore due to the second-lowest rainfall in 70 years. Additionally, the Chief Minister advocated for sugarcane farmers, seeking a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne and a revision of the minimum support price for sugar. He also urged the Centre to ensure a fair share of ethanol allocation for the state.