In Kalaburagi, Karnataka, a major hub for tur (pigeon pea) cultivation, farmers are facing significant distress due to heavy crop damage caused by wilt disease.

This has led to widespread protests organized by the Karnataka Prant Raiyat Sangh, with affected farmers from various villages demanding government intervention and compensation.

According to the farmers, around 6 lakh hectares of tur crops were cultivated in Kalaburagi this year, with approximately 2 lakh hectares of land suffering severe damage due to the disease.

In certain villages, entire fields, including 150 and 200 acres of tur crops, have been completely destroyed. Farmers have expressed concerns about their livelihoods, as many depend heavily on tur cultivation, which is a key crop for both local and national markets.

The protestors are calling for urgent government action, including conducting a crop damage survey, compensating farmers at a rate of Rs 25,000 per acre, and releasing the insurance claims for the affected crops.

They are also seeking a special relief package of Rs 30 crore for compensation, alongside the establishment of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 12,000 per quintal for tur.

The farmers' grievances were formally submitted in a memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Agriculture Minister, underscoring the severe financial losses they have incurred.

The district president of the Raiyat Sangh warned that if no action is taken, they will organize a larger demonstration during the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in Belagavi, where they plan to present their damaged crops as a form of protest.

Karnataka is the leading producer of tur in India, and Kalaburagi, in particular, plays a vital role in its production.

This year, despite an increase in the cultivation area, the crop has been hit by various challenges, including insect infestations, disease outbreaks, and adverse weather conditions, further exacerbating the farmers' struggles.