Government Schemes for Farmers in Karnataka

Agriculture forms the backbone of Karnataka’s economy, with a large portion of its population depending on farming for livelihood. To improve agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and enhance the welfare of farmers, both the Central and State Governments have launched numerous schemes. Karnataka has also initiated state-specific schemes tailored to the needs of its diverse agro-climatic zones.

In this article, we explore in detail the major government schemes for farmers in Karnataka, categorized into various sectors like financial support, irrigation, insurance, marketing, technology adoption, and welfare.

1. Raita Vidya Nidhi Scheme

Launched by the Karnataka state government, this scheme is aimed at promoting higher education among farmers’ children.

Key Features:

• Scholarship support for children of farmers pursuing higher education.
• Financial assistance of ₹2,000 to ₹11,000 depending on the course and level of education.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to students’ bank accounts.
• Helps prevent school/college dropouts due to financial constraints.

2. PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi)

Although a central government scheme, it is implemented in Karnataka and has benefited lakhs of farmers.

Key Features:

• ₹6,000 annual financial support to small and marginal farmers in three installments.
• Direct transfer to bank accounts.
• Helps farmers manage day-to-day agricultural expenses.

3. Raitha Siri Scheme

A Karnataka government initiative to promote the cultivation of millets and ensure sustainable farming.

Key Features:

• Financial aid of ₹10,000 per hectare for millet farmers.
• Encourages cultivation of drought-resistant crops.
• Focus on improving soil fertility and reducing input costs.

4. Krishi Bhagya Scheme

Targeted at dryland farmers, especially in drought-prone regions of Karnataka.

Key Features:

• Construction of farm ponds to store rainwater (Krishi Honda).
• Subsidies for installing solar pumps and micro-irrigation systems.
• Objective is to promote water conservation and efficient irrigation.

5. Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Implemented in Karnataka to protect farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities.

Key Features:

• Crop insurance with low premium rates (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi).
• Covers losses due to drought, flood, hailstorms, pest attacks, etc.
• Claims are settled through a transparent system using remote sensing and crop-cutting experiments.

6. Bhoo Siri Scheme

Introduced in the 2023-24 Karnataka budget to encourage sustainable agriculture.

Key Features:

• ₹10,000 per farmer per year for purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• ₹5,000 from the state government and ₹5,000 from NABARD.
• Especially benefits small and marginal farmers.

7. Soil Health Card Scheme

To improve soil fertility and guide farmers in optimal fertilizer usage.

Key Features:

• Provides detailed information about soil nutrients, pH, organic carbon, etc.
• Recommends crop-wise fertilizer application.
• Helps reduce input costs and improve yield.

8. Suvarna Krishi Grama Yojana

Aims to develop model agricultural villages in Karnataka.

Key Features:

• Integrated development of agriculture and allied activities.
• Promotion of organic farming, soil testing, and water conservation.
• Empowering rural youth with agri-entrepreneurship.

9. Ganga Kalyana Scheme

Focused on providing irrigation facilities to small and marginal farmers belonging to SC/ST and minority communities.

Key Features:

• Borewell drilling with pump set installation.
• 100% subsidy for SC/ST and up to 50% for others.
• Implemented by Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC).

10. Zero Interest Crop Loan Scheme

Karnataka offers interest-free short-term agricultural loans to farmers.

Key Features:

• Loan up to ₹3 lakh at 0% interest.
• Encourages timely repayment by incentivizing farmers.
• Loans provided through cooperative and nationalized banks.

11. Savayava Bhagya Yojane (Organic Farming Scheme)

Promotes organic farming practices in Karnataka.

Key Features:

• Subsidies for vermicomposting units, bio-fertilizers, and organic inputs.
• Training and certification support for organic farmers.
• Dedicated markets for organic produce.

12. Market Intervention and Price Support Schemes (MIS-PSS)

Helps farmers get fair prices for their produce.

Key Features:

• Government procures crops like onion, ragi, tur, and groundnut at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Prevents distress sale during surplus production.
• Provides warehousing and transportation facilities.

13. Farm Mechanization Scheme

Encourages adoption of modern agricultural equipment.

Key Features:

• Subsidies on tractors, power tillers, sprayers, harvesters, etc.
• Custom Hiring Centers established for equipment rental.
• Promotes precision farming and reduces manual labor.

14. Yashaswini Health Insurance Scheme

Though not agriculture-specific, this scheme benefits farmers through cooperatives.

Key Features:

• Health insurance coverage for farmers and rural laborers.
• Cashless treatment in empaneled hospitals.
• Covers maternity, surgeries, and hospitalization expenses.

15. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

A central scheme with Karnataka-specific implementations.

Key Features:

• Focus on agriculture infrastructure, value addition, and marketing.
• States have flexibility to implement projects as per local needs.
• Includes innovation and agripreneurship support under RKVY-RAFTAAR.

16. Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

Implemented across Karnataka to provide credit support to farmers.

Key Features:

• Easy and quick access to credit for crop production and allied activities.
• Interest subvention and collateral-free loans up to ₹1.6 lakh.
• Inclusion of animal husbandry and fisheries.

17. Jala Bhagya Scheme

Focused on ensuring water supply for agriculture.

Key Features:

• Irrigation support through borewells, canals, and tanks.
• Special projects in North Karnataka and dry regions.
• Contributes to water resource management.

18. Solar Pump Scheme (KUSUM Yojana)

Promotes the use of solar energy in agriculture.

Key Features:

• Solar pumps provided at subsidized rates.
• Reduces dependence on grid electricity and diesel.
• Helps in irrigating fields even in off-grid areas.

19. Seed and Fertilizer Subsidy Scheme

Subsidized inputs for timely agricultural operations.

Key Features:

• Quality seeds and fertilizers at concessional rates.
• Distribution through Raitha Samparka Kendras (RSKs).
• Emphasis on high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.

20. Raitha Samparka Kendras (RSKs)

One-stop resource centers for farmers.

Key Features:

• Information dissemination, soil testing, input distribution.
• Farmer training and grievance redressal.
• Digitally connected to the Department of Agriculture.

Conclusion

The Karnataka Government, along with Central support, has been proactive in rolling out a wide range of schemes to support farmers. These initiatives not only aim to increase productivity but also focus on farmer welfare, risk management, and sustainable agriculture. By combining financial aid, infrastructure development, insurance coverage, and education, these schemes form a comprehensive ecosystem for agricultural growth.

Recommendations for Farmers:

• Register at Raitha Samparka Kendras to avail multiple services.
• Keep documents like Aadhar, land records, bank passbook, and caste certificate ready.
• Use digital platforms like FARMS (Farmer Registration & Unified Beneficiary Information System) for scheme tracking.

Empowering farmers through knowledge, timely assistance, and technology will ensure a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Karnataka.