The Karnataka government will give a one-time ₹2,500 input subsidy to around 45–50 lakh drought-hit farmers, spending ₹1,250 crore without waiting for Central funds. Here’s who qualifies, how the money may reach you, and what documents to keep ready.
Bengaluru: Farmers hit by this year’s severe drought in Karnataka will get immediate financial help from the state government. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced an immediate input subsidy of Rs 2,500 per farmer in drought-hit areas, with the state spending Rs 1,250 crore without waiting for relief from the Centre.
The announcement was made on Thursday, September 24, while replying to a discussion on the drought situation in the Legislative Assembly.
How Many Farmers Will Benefit?
The first phase of assistance is expected to benefit an estimated 45–50 lakh farmers. Reports describe it as a one-time input subsidy.
Which Farmers Are Eligible?
The ₹2,500 subsidy is for farmers in taluks officially declared drought-hit. Parameshwara said 177 of Karnataka’s 240 taluks had been declared drought-hit, while around 50 more could qualify after assessment.
Taluks are declared drought-hit based on strict norms. The criteria include rainfall levels, crop and sowing conditions, satellite data, soil moisture and water storage, followed by ground-truthing.
Important: The detailed eligibility rules and final beneficiary list have not been released yet. Not every farmer in the state will automatically receive the amount.
How Will Farmers Get the Money?
The government has not yet announced the payment method or date for this subsidy. In earlier drought relief, Karnataka used Parihara, a programme for direct benefit transfer to farmers, using Aadhaar numbers for the transfer.
Until official guidelines come, farmers should:
- Make sure their bank account is linked to Aadhaar
- Keep land records (RTC/Pahani) updated
- Check that their details are registered on the state’s farmer database
- Follow announcements from the Revenue and Agriculture Departments, and contact the local Raitha Samparka Kendra or village accountant for help
Why Is This Relief Needed?
This year’s monsoon failed badly in Karnataka. The state received 524 mm of rainfall against the normal 809 mm between June 1 and September 23, a deficit of 36 per cent.
The Deputy CM said total drought losses are likely to exceed Rs 40,000 crore.
Loan Relief for Farmers
Along with the subsidy, the government extended the loan repayment and moratorium period for drought-hit farmers by 12 months, increasing the repayment period from 36 to 60 months.
State Seeks Help From Centre
Karnataka had sought Rs 3,800 crore from the Centre, and Parameshwara urged the Union government to declare the drought a national disaster and send a Central team. He said further assistance would depend on the Centre’s support.
Opposition leaders have called the relief too small. The Deputy CM responded to criticism that the relief was inadequate by saying the state was giving immediate help considering farmers’ distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will each farmer get?
₹2,500 per farmer as an input subsidy.
Who is eligible?
Farmers in taluks declared drought-hit. Detailed guidelines are awaited.
Do farmers need to apply?
The government has not announced an application process yet. Follow official updates.
When will the money be credited?
No date has been announced so far.
Source: Statement by Deputy CM G Parameshwara in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly; reports by PTI and ANI.