Crops on 12 acres destroyed in fire in Kalaburagi

Standing crops on nearly 12 acres were destroyed in a fire that broke out at Shakhapur village in Jewargi taluk of Kalaburagi district on Sunday, causing heavy losses to farmers.

The fire, which is said to have originated in a sugarcane field, spread to an adjoining custard apple orchard destroying sugarcane and custard apple crops on six acres each belonging to Chandrashekhar Tonasalli and Sidramappa Tonasalli.

The loss is estimated at over ₹16 lakh.

Farm equipment and infrastructure, including sprinkler and drip irrigation pipes, water pipelines, tractor implements and a hut in the fields were also damaged in the blaze.

Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. However, by then, substantial damage was caused, according to the affected farmers.

A complaint has been lodged at the Jewargi Police Station.