Farmers rally in Mysuru against Bidadi town demanding drought relief

Farmers stage a demonstration in Mysuru on Friday demanding the scrapping of the proposed Bidadi township project. | Photo credit: MA Sriram

Hundreds of farmers protested in Mysuru on Friday, demanding that the state government scrap a proposed township project near Bidadi in Bengaluru rural district, saying it would lead to the acquisition of nearly 7,500 acres of fertile agricultural land. The protesters also called on the state and central governments to take immediate measures to alleviate the worsening drought-like conditions affecting large parts of the state.

Organized in front of the Gandhi statue under the leadership of State Sugarcane Growers Union president Kurubur Shanthakumar, the demonstration was held in solidarity with farmers in Bidadi who have been opposing the proposed land acquisition for over 470 days.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shanthakumar said the proposed municipality would displace farming families and damage productive agricultural belts. He claimed that the government was trying to acquire fertile agricultural land to facilitate the project for the benefit of private investors and warned that thousands of coconut and arecanut trees would be cut down if the proposal was passed.

He criticized the government for not responding to the long-running agitation by landowners who refused to part with their land despite nearly 470 days of continuous protests. Urging Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to withdraw the proposal, he said the government should respect farmers’ sentiments.

Request for a drought declaration

Protesters also expressed concern over the deficient rainfall reported in several parts of the state, warning that drought-like conditions are putting the agriculture, horticulture and livestock sectors under severe strain and financially affecting farming communities. The lack of drinking water has become a serious problem for both people and livestock in many regions.

The farmers demanded that the government, based on a scientific assessment, immediately declare drought-hit areas and immediately release aid directly into farmers’ bank accounts. They also sought suspension of agricultural loan enforcement, waiver of interest on crop loans, prompt settlement of crop insurance claims, provision of fodder and drinking water for livestock, expansion of employment opportunities under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and emergency supply of drinking water through tankers to water-scarce villages.

Mr. Shanthakumar also urged the government to appoint nodal secretaries across the state to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation and ensure that relief measures reach the affected farmers without delay.

More than 250 farmers including Attahalli Devaraj, Baradanapura Nagaraj, Kiragasuru Shankar and others participated in the protest.

Published – 03 July 2026 20:30 IST