Ballari: The Karnataka government has instructed banks to defer loan recovery from farmers affected by drought, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara said on Wednesday.
He said measures were also being taken for loan restructuring and refinancing to provide relief to distressed farmers.
Parameshwara was speaking to reporters after visiting a farm in drought-hit Halkundi village of Ballari taluk, where he inspected tur crops.
He said farmers should not be worried about receiving loan recovery notices from banks, as instructions had already been issued to defer recovery. Necessary directions were being communicated to nationalised banks as well as private financial institutions, he said.
The government has also initiated measures to provide immediate financial assistance to affected farmers, while the drought situation will be reviewed in the coming days and further relief provided based on requirements.
Parameshwara said the government had to prioritise expenditure based on the availability of funds. While the state spends around ₹52,000 crore annually on guarantee schemes, these programmes had not been discontinued, he said.
“The farmer is the top priority now. Other tasks, including roadworks, can wait. Saving the farmer is our primary duty,” he said.
He added that administrative operations had not stopped anywhere and district administrations were continuing their work. The state government was closely monitoring the drought situation and would take necessary measures promptly.
Parameshwara also said temporary gaps in district in-charge minister arrangements would not affect administrative functioning.