KRRS, Hasiru Sene demand fair compensation for Areca farmers hit by windstorm in Bhadravathi

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Members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shivamogga on Monday, demanding fair compensation for areca farmers affected by a windstorm in April. | Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh

Members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) and Hasiru Sene staged a protest at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Monday, demanding fair compensation for areca growers in Bhadravathi taluk who suffered severe losses during a powerful windstorm in April.

Led by K.T. Gangadhar and others, the protesters highlighted the devastation in villages including Malligenahalli, Ashok Nagar, Aagaradahalli, Gudumgatte, Mallapura, Hanumanthapura, Mydolu, Anvare, and Sanyasi Kodmaggi. On April 26, a violent storm uprooted lakhs of fully-grown areca trees, destroying decades of investment and labour by farming families in minutes.

The affected farmers face mounting pressure to repay loans and reconstruct their farms. Mr. Gangadhar expressed frustration at the government’s silence. “Neither the Central nor the State government has announced any relief package. We are compelled to protest to demand our rights,” he said.

The protesters sought compensation of at least ₹1 lakh per acre.

The demonstration also opposed the proposed privatisation of the State’s power distribution sector. “If privatisation proceeds, farmers will lose subsidised electricity for irrigation pumps, and consumers will face rates set by private companies,” Mr. Gangadhar cautioned.

Office-bearers Eeranna Pyati, Haleshappa Gowdru, and D.V. Veeresh of KRRS, along with other members, led the protest.