Karnataka Drought Relief: First Instalment Released as State Seeks ₹22,400 Crore from Centre
Karnataka begins disbursing Rs 2,500 drought relief to farmers and seeks Rs 22,400 crore from the Centre to combat massive crop losses.
In a critical move to support the agricultural community, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara have launched the disbursement of the first instalment of interim input subsidies for farmers devastated by the 2026 monsoon drought. Eligible farmers will receive an initial payment of Rs 2,500, marking the first half of a total promised assistance of Rs 5,000 for up to two hectares of land.
Immediate Relief and Future Payments
The state government has assured that the remaining balance of the subsidy will be released within the next three weeks. Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara emphasized that providing aid to those hit by the drought is a top priority for the administration.
However, the full scale of recovery depends on the Union Government. Parameshwara noted that once the drought-relief assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is released by the Centre, the state will disburse the remaining amounts based on revised norms.
A State in Crisis: The Scale of Damage
The severity of the weather crisis is reflected in the official data. The Karnataka government has declared 226 taluks as drought-affected following a drastic rainfall deficit. Between June 1 and September 30, the state recorded only 551 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 852 mm—a staggering 35 per cent deficit.
The regional breakdown of the rainfall deficit reveals widespread distress:
- North Interior Karnataka: 42 per cent deficit
- South Interior Karnataka: 41 per cent deficit
- Malnad region: 38 per cent deficit
- Coastal Karnataka: 28 per cent deficit
The impact on farming has been catastrophic. While the state aimed to sow crops across 84.10 lakh hectares, only 69.57 lakh hectares were actually sown. A joint survey conducted by the Horticulture, Agriculture, and Revenue Departments found that crops across 57.93 lakh hectares were affected, meaning 83.26 per cent of the total sown area suffered losses.
The Financial Toll and Demand for Central Aid
The estimated economic loss resulting from the drought is pegged at a massive Rs 62,481.88 crore. In response to this crisis, the Karnataka government has formally requested Rs 22,400.58 crore from the Central Government under the NDRF.
The state's request for funds is broken down as follows:
- Livelihood assistance: Rs 12,146.99 crore for 61.91 lakh small and marginal farmers.
- Crop-loss input subsidy: Rs 7,943.55 crore.
- Drinking water arrangements: Rs 1,727 crore.
- Livestock protection: Rs 583.04 crore.
To secure this funding, Chief Minister Shivakumar and Deputy CM Parameshwara have written more than five times to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging for a relaxation of NDRF norms and the urgent release of funds.
Digital Transformation of Aid Delivery
To ensure the money reaches the right hands without bureaucratic delays, the state has implemented a sophisticated digital system. By integrating the Parihara Portal, Digital Crop Survey, and FRUITS, the government can identify eligible beneficiaries with precision.
The funds are being transferred directly into farmers' bank accounts via Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This eliminates the need for farmers to visit government offices or submit physical documentation.
Focus on Yadgir District
The impact of this rollout is already visible in the Yadgir district, where the first instalment is being distributed to 1,06,462 farmers. This initial phase involves a disbursement of Rs 17.43 crore, though the total input subsidy payable to eligible farmers in the district is estimated at Rs 168.30 crore.
Additional Support Systems
Beyond the state's own subsidies, the government is working to ensure that farmers receive their rightful insurance compensation. Efforts are underway to facilitate payments under the Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
"We understand the hardship of farmers who have lost their crops to drought. The State Government will not step back from its responsibility to provide them with the necessary assistance," said G Parameshwara.