BENGALURU, Oct. 8 -- Karnataka's government will begin releasing drought compensation to farmers from its own funds, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said, adding that about 90% of crops across the state had been damaged and the Centre had yet to release relief.

The government has ordered the release of Rs.2,500 as the first instalment to affected farmers, with district collectors directed to disburse the money immediately.

The state has sought between Rs.11,000 crore and Rs.11,500 crore from the Centre under National Disaster Response Fund guidelines after estimating total drought losses at about Rs.46,000 crore.

Of Karnataka's 240 taluks, 217 have been declared drought affected.

Ground verification is continuing in ...