Karnataka doubles drought relief to Rs 5,000 per farmer ahead of Diwali

The Karnataka government on Thursday announced that eligible farmers would receive Rs 5,000 each as interim drought relief, doubling the previously announced assistance of Rs 2,500, as Chief Minister DK Shivakumar launched the disbursement of the first instalment ahead of Diwali.

The government initiated the transfer of Rs 2,500 to eligible farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, with the remaining Rs 2,500 to be released after the festival.

Addressing reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said the government had decided to increase the assistance in view of the severe financial difficulties faced by farmers following widespread drought conditions across the state.

The Chief Minister said the first instalment was being transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts, while the government would mobilise additional funds for the second payment within the next 15 days.

He maintained that although the assistance would not fully compensate farmers for their losses, it would provide some immediate financial support during the festive season.

𝗥𝘀 𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱

The Chief Minister said the government had earlier committed to providing Rs 2,500 as interim relief but subsequently decided to double the amount to Rs 5,000 per eligible farmer.

The first phase of the programme involved the release of approximately Rs 1,250 crore, with the money being transferred directly to beneficiaries through DBT.

The assistance has been structured at Rs 2,500 per acre for up to two acres, subject to a maximum payment of Rs 5,000 per farmer.

Farmers with larger landholdings will not receive additional compensation beyond the prescribed ceiling under the interim relief arrangement.

Shivakumar said the government would release the second instalment after Diwali, ensuring that eligible farmers received the full amount.

He acknowledged that the assistance was modest compared with the losses suffered by the agricultural community but said the state government was determined to extend support during the crisis.

𝗗𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝟮𝟮𝟲 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗸𝘀

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Shivakumar said drought had been declared in 226 taluks following a scientific assessment of rainfall deficiencies and agricultural conditions.

He said the declarations were made in accordance with prescribed government guidelines and were based on official assessments rather than political considerations.

According to the Chief Minister, approximately 57 lakh hectares of agricultural land had been affected, with estimated losses to farmers reaching nearly Rs 62,000 crore.

The drought had placed considerable pressure on agricultural production, rural livelihoods and the availability of essential resources, including drinking water and electricity.

Shivakumar said three central teams had visited Karnataka to assess the situation and examine the extent of crop damage.

The state government had submitted its findings and sought financial assistance from the Centre to address the losses.

𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗶𝗱

The Chief Minister said Karnataka had requested approximately Rs 22,400 crore in drought assistance from the Union government.

He added that the state had submitted the necessary reports and documentation to support its demand for financial assistance.

Shivakumar said he had sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead an all-party delegation and discuss the state's drought situation.

He maintained that the government would continue pursuing Central assistance while providing immediate financial relief to affected farmers from its own resources.

The Chief Minister said Karnataka was among the country's most agriculture-dependent states and that the rainfall deficit had created significant challenges for farmers and the administration.

He emphasised that the state's decision to provide interim compensation was intended to offer timely support rather than wait for the completion of the broader relief process.

𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀

Shivakumar also highlighted the increasing pressure on Karnataka's electricity and drinking water resources because of the drought.

He said the government was spending approximately Rs 20,000 crore annually on free electricity for farmers, but the prevailing conditions had increased the financial requirement to nearly Rs 30,000 crore.

The Chief Minister said electricity procurement had become increasingly difficult as neighbouring states were also facing shortages.

He added that securing additional power had become challenging even when the government was prepared to pay for it.

The drought had also created concerns over drinking water availability and the ability of farmers to sustain agricultural activities.

Shivakumar said the administration was working to address these difficulties while continuing to provide support to affected households.

𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻

The Chief Minister said the government wanted to ensure that farmers received financial assistance during Diwali, particularly after facing months of agricultural uncertainty and economic hardship.

He reiterated that the first instalment had been initiated and that the remaining amount would be transferred after the festival.

The government had earlier announced the relief measure in the Legislative Assembly and was now implementing the commitment through direct bank transfers.

The revised assistance package is intended to provide immediate support to drought-affected farmers while the state continues to seek additional financial assistance from the Centre.

Shivakumar maintained that the government would stand by farmers during the crisis and continue taking measures to address the consequences of deficient rainfall and crop losses.