Mysuru/ Shivamogga: Mysuru district minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Friday visited rain-hit agricultural fields in Bolanahalli gram panchayat of Hunsur taluk to assess crop losses caused by a prolonged rainfall deficit.Accompanied by officials from the agriculture and revenue departments, the minister interacted with farmers and reviewed the ground situation. Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Yathindra said officials had reported a sharp decline in tobacco production across nearly 21,000 hectares in Hunsur taluk due to inadequate rainfall this season.He also noted that maize, one of the region’s major crops, had suffered extensive damage owing to pest infestations.Describing the situation as alarming, Yathindra said he would urge CM DK Shivakumar to announce a special compensation package for farmers affected by crop losses. He added that several farmers had raised concerns over pending payments for finger millet procured by the government in previous seasons. Assuring them of swift action, he said discussions would be held with senior officials to ensure that the outstanding dues are credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts at the earliest.The minister directed officials to expedite the crop-loss survey and submit an accurate assessment report.Meanwhile, Shivamogga district minister Madhu Bangarappa on Friday began a three-day tour of flood-affected and drought-hit areas in the district. The visit is aimed at reviewing rain-related damage, assessing drought conditions, and inspecting development projects across various taluks.On Saturday, Bangarappa will hold a review meeting with local administration officials in Shikaripura taluk. He is also scheduled to chair a high-level meeting at the Shivamogga deputy commissioner’s office with officials from Shivamogga urban and rural taluks to evaluate measures related to heavy rainfall and drought management. On Sunday, he will visit landslide-affected areas in Thirthahalli taluk.Bangarappa arrived in his home constituency of Soraba for the first time after being sworn in as a minister in the Shivakumar govt and received a grand welcome. He began his tour with a visit to Bangaradhama in Kubatur, the memorial of his father and former chief minister S Bangarappa, where he paid tributes.