Karnataka Flood Relief Package: Major Support for Affected Farmers
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has launched the Karnataka Flood Relief Package worth ₹1,033.60 crore to support farmers whose crops were destroyed during this year’s heavy monsoon rains and floods. The initiative aims to offer additional input subsidies to 14.24 lakh farmers across 27 districts, ensuring timely compensation through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Higher Compensation Under the Karnataka Flood Relief Package
Under the Karnataka Flood Relief Package, subsidy amounts have been significantly increased to reduce the financial burden on affected farmers:
- Rain-fed areas: Compensation raised from ₹8,500 to ₹17,000 per hectare
- Irrigated lands: Increased from ₹17,000 to ₹25,000 per hectare
- Multi-crop areas: Enhanced from ₹22,500 to ₹31,000 per hectare
Officials confirmed that all payments will be transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts to maintain transparency and avoid delays.
State and Centre Coordination for Relief Funds
The government has already distributed ₹1,218.03 crore as input subsidy under NDRF norms. With the new package, a total of ₹2,251.63 crore has now reached farmers.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 17, seeking:
- ₹614.90 crore for crop-loss compensation
- ₹1,521.67 crore for rebuilding damaged rural infrastructure
An inter-ministerial central team is expected to visit the state soon for further assessment.
Crop Damage Assessment and Post-Flood Recovery Measures
Agriculture department officials noted that prolonged rainfall from June to October caused widespread destruction of major crops including paddy, maize, sugarcane, cotton, pigeon pea, and several horticulture varieties.
- Total crop loss: Estimated at ₹10,748 crore
- Area affected: 14.58 lakh hectares
District administrations have been directed to finalize pending crop-loss assessments and update relief distribution data to ensure that no eligible farmer is excluded from the Karnataka Flood Relief Package.
A Critical Lifeline for Farmers Preparing for the Next Season
The ₹1,033 crore Karnataka Flood Relief Package is expected to offer significant support to farmers as they prepare for the upcoming farming season. With rising input costs and recurring climate challenges, this assistance arrives as a crucial intervention to stabilise rural livelihoods.
