Full Breakdown
Karnataka Announces Rs 2,500 Input Subsidy for Drought-Hit Farmers
By Drooid · · How we work
Drought Relief Package Unveiled
On September 24, Karnataka announced a one-time input subsidy of INR2,500 per farmer for those affected by the drought. Unveiled during a four-day special legislative session that began on September 21, the measure is intended as immediate aid while the state awaits funds from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). The subsidy will cost the state INR1,250 crore and is aimed at approximately 45–50 lakh farmers.
Background and Scale of the Drought
Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara said the state received 524 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 23, well below the normal 809 mm—a 36 % deficit. Deficits vary across regions: 46 % in South Interior Karnataka, 44 % in North Interior, 38 % in Malnad and 28 % along the coast. 177 taluks have been declared drought-affected, with the number possibly rising toward 200 as ground-truthing continues. Parameshwara likened the situation to the severe drought of 1876, calling it the worst in 150 years.
Financial Scope and Target Beneficiaries
- Subsidy: INR2,500 per farmer.
- Beneficiaries: 45–50 lakh (some reports cite 4.6–5 million).
- Expenditure: INR1,250 crore.
- Loan relief: 12-month moratorium and repayment extension to 36–60 months.
- Crop insurance: 49 lakh farmers enrolled, with the government contributing ?INR1,572 crore.
- Power supply: Electricity demand hit 20,000 MW on September 11; a six-hour supply window is being maintained for farmers.
Official Government Statements
Parameshwara stressed the subsidy is a stop-gap pending NDRF assistance and said drought-affected taluks were declared according to the Union Government’s 2020 drought manual. He warned that political pressure to alter the list would invite punishment. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting release of 50 % of the state’s drought-relief memorandum and an advance of the Centre’s share of the State Disaster Response Fund.
Opposition Criticism
Leader of Opposition R Ashok (BJP) called the INR2,500 payout a “pittance,” noting daily wages of INR600–INR1,200 and that the amount cannot buy even half a quintal of ragi. He argued the relief does not cover the true cost of cultivating an acre, which runs INR20,000–INR30,000. Ashok demanded per-acre compensation of INR25,000–INR50,000 and accused the government of prioritising political funding over farmer aid.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Estimates of intended beneficiaries differ: The Hindu and Indian Express cite 45–50 lakh farmers, while Hindustan Times mentions 4.6–5 million. Both figures come from state estimates. Although 177 taluks are officially declared drought-affected, the chief minister’s letter refers to “more than 200” taluks experiencing drought-like conditions, indicating ongoing assessment.
What’s Next
Karnataka will submit an additional memorandum for central assistance once ground-truthing of newly declared taluks is complete. The state also plans to seek an all-party delegation to the Centre to discuss a possible farm-loan waiver, offering to share the financial burden if the Union announces such a measure. The request for interim NDRF funds and an advance of the State Disaster Response Fund remains pending.