In a significant move to support farmers affected by crop loss, the Karnataka government has announced the release of ₹667.73 crore as compensation to 2,36,933 farmers in Kalaburagi district who suffered damages during the kharif season. This financial assistance aims to provide relief to cultivators who faced severe agricultural setbacks due to adverse weather conditions and other calamities.
Breakdown of the Compensation Package
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Crop Insurance Claims:
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A total of ₹575.19 crore will be distributed to 2,04,073 farmers under various crop insurance schemes.
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Major crops covered under the insurance scheme include pigeon pea (toor), green gram, black gram, soybean, and cotton.
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Relief for Natural Calamities:
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An interim relief amount of ₹76.34 crore has already been provided to 2,01,847 farmers affected by localized natural disasters such as drought, heavy rainfall, and pest attacks.
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Support for Chickpea Farmers:
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The government has set a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹7,550 per quintal for chickpea, along with an additional incentive of ₹450 per quintal.
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This scheme will benefit 9,189 farmers, with a total disbursement of ₹108.30 crore.
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Drought Relief Fund Allocation:
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Severe drought conditions in August and September 2024 damaged crops across 16,373 hectares of land.
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To compensate for these losses, ₹13.47 crore has been allocated to 35,086 farmers through the National and State Drought Relief Fund.
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Government's Commitment to Farmers’ Welfare
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge, who is also the district in-charge minister, emphasized the Karnataka government's commitment to ensuring no farmer is left behind. He stated that this relief package reflects the administration's proactive approach in addressing agrarian distress.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the compensation funds will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the eligible farmers. This initiative is expected to help farmers recover financially and continue agricultural activities in the upcoming seasons.
The Karnataka government’s decision underscores its dedication to rural development and farmer welfare, providing much-needed financial support to those whose livelihoods were affected by crop failures during the kharif season.
