Bengaluru
In the Legislative Council, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda stated that in the year 2023-24, the highest number of farmers ever received drought relief. Approximately 38,78,525 farmers were assisted, compared to 23,42,667 farmers in previous records. During the previous government’s tenure, 14,41,049 farmers received relief. The relief was provided using a Crop Survey App, and funds were digitally deposited into farmers’ accounts. Farmers with a 33% crop loss or those unable to irrigate their fields received assistance, including those with perennial horticultural crops.
For the first time, Karnataka is compensating farmers for livelihood losses. As of now, 17,80,000 farmer families have been identified, and payments are ongoing, with Rs. 531 crores allocated for this purpose. Regarding crop insurance, some companies were refusing coverage based on outdated guidelines. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda clarified that the central government had revised these guidelines last October after his intervention, ensuring that farmers receiving government relief remain eligible for crop insurance.
Responding to accusations from BJP members about the state’s handling of drought relief, the minister disclosed that Rs. 1296 crores had been disbursed from the state treasury. This included funds for fodder, drinking water, and long-term drought relief projects. He criticized the central government for allegedly neglecting Karnataka’s pleas for drought relief funds, noting that the state had to petition the Supreme Court to secure Rs. 3454 crores in aid.
