# Drought-hit Karnataka farmers to get Rs 2,500 input subsidy as state commits Rs 1,250 crore in initial phase > The Karnataka government has approved an immediate Rs 2,500 input subsidy for farmers hit by severe drought, allocating Rs 1,250 crore to cover up to 50 lakh cultivators in its opening phase. **Type:** article · **Category:** Business · **Published:** 2026-09-25 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/business/karnataka-men-sukhe-ki-mara-jhela-rahe-kisanon-ko-phauri-rahata-hara-khate-men-2-500-rupaye-ki-inaputa-sabsidi-degi-sarakara-38588 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Karnataka Drought, Farmer Subsidy, G Parameshwara, Agriculture Relief, NDRF, Crop Loss, Karnataka Assembly Farmers grappling with severe moisture stress and extensive crop damage across Karnataka are set to receive direct financial assistance from the state administration. Under an immediate relief measure, each eligible cultivator in officially notified drought zones will receive an input subsidy of Rs 2,500. The opening rollout of the scheme is slated to reach an estimated 45 lakh to 50 lakh farmers, providing essential liquidity to rural households struggling with erratic monsoon rains and stalled agricultural operations. Disbursing this preliminary installment will cost the state exchequer approximately Rs 1,250 crore. Rather than waiting for financial allocations to clear through the Central Government under the National Disaster Response Fund, the state has moved forward with its own budgetary commitment to ensure immediate relief reaches the ground without procedural delays. ## Assembly announcement outlines initial financial assistance The financial relief plan was formally detailed on September 24 by Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara during a legislative debate addressing the acute drought conditions inside the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. While addressing the assembly, Parameshwara confirmed that the state is releasing Rs 2,500 to each eligible cultivator across affected jurisdictions, committing around Rs 1,250 crore for this initial phase. He pointed out that while formal representations seeking central financial backing through NDRF provisions remain underway, immediate local support could not be deferred. The state government has explicitly clarified that the scope of this intervention remains flexible. Ongoing field surveys and technical appraisals continue across peripheral farming belts to identify newly affected localities. As these evaluations progress, both the overall number of eligible beneficiaries and the corresponding funding requirements are expected to expand accordingly. ## Severe dry spell covers 177 out of 240 taluks The geographic footprint of the dry spell covers a massive portion of Karnataka. According to official figures presented by Parameshwara, 177 out of the state's 240 administrative taluks have already been declared drought-hit. Scrutiny is ongoing in several other administrative subdivisions, with roughly 50 additional taluks currently under evaluation that could soon qualify under the established regulatory parameters for drought declaration. The criteria governing these designations rely on an exhaustive multi-tier assessment methodology. State authorities evaluate meteorological rainfall figures, acreage under active sowing, remote sensing satellite observations, soil moisture deficits, and overall water availability across local storage reservoirs. Only after these indicators align do inter-departmental teams carry out ground-level physical verification to confirm the extent of distress before notifications are issued. ## Agricultural losses projected to touch Rs 40,000 crore The economic impact on Karnataka's agrarian sector has escalated rapidly. Initial state assessments conducted across roughly 100 to 101 taluks estimated total crop failure and drought-related losses at approximately Rs 18,000 crore. Relying on those initial findings, the state government submitted a formal demand to the Centre seeking financial aid of about Rs 3,800 crore under NDRF guidelines. Government projections indicate that total cumulative losses could eventually escalate to around Rs 40,000 crore. The ultimate magnitude of this damage figure will depend on how many additional taluks are formally brought under the drought classification once field reviews wrap up, alongside the specific quantum of assistance sanctioned under standardized national disaster funding regulations. ## What this means for you The announced subsidy provides urgent cash support for agrarian households contending with widespread crop failure across drought-declared areas in Karnataka. - **Across India:** The formal fiscal request of about Rs 3,800 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund tests central disaster financing mechanisms. How quickly and comprehensively central agencies respond sets a direct precedent for other drought-affected farming states seeking federal allocations. - **In Karnataka:** Eligible agricultural landowners and cultivators across 177 declared drought-hit taluks will receive a direct payout of Rs 2,500 per head. This gives immediate liquidity to between 45 lakh and 50 lakh farmers struggling to offset severe sowing and cultivation losses. - **For Borderline Districts:** Farmers in roughly 50 additional taluks currently under assessment could soon see their regions added to the relief list. Once satellite and ground validation conclude, those newly classified areas will qualify for the state subsidy rollout. - **Rural Market Liquidity:** The immediate injection of Rs 1,250 crore into the countryside helps cushion agrarian debt pressures. Infusing capital directly into farm households sustains basic consumption and local trade despite extensive harvest damage. ## Why this happened The emergency financial package was necessitated by a widespread monsoon deficit that damaged crops and depleted water resources across most parts of Karnataka. - **Deficit Rainfall and Soil Aridity:** Severe rainfall shortfalls during the monsoon season degraded soil moisture and caused critical shortages in irrigation reservoirs. This widespread deficit stunted active sowing and dried up standing crops across major farming belts. - **Scale of Territorial Distress:** Official evaluations confirmed that 177 of the state's 240 taluks were reeling from acute dry conditions. The depth of the crisis was reflected in early crop loss estimates of Rs 18,000 crore across just 100 to 101 taluks, with total potential damages projected toward Rs 40,000 crore. - **Bridge Action Pending Central Aid:** Although the state formally requested about Rs 3,800 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund, statutory evaluation processes take time. To ensure cultivators did not face financial collapse while waiting for central funds, the state stepped in with Rs 1,250 crore from its own resources. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. What is the amount of input subsidy announced for Karnataka farmers? The Karnataka government has announced an input subsidy of Rs 2,500 for each eligible farmer in drought-affected areas. ### 2. How many farmers will benefit in the opening phase? The first phase is expected to benefit approximately 45 lakh to 50 lakh drought-affected farmers across the state. ### 3. What is the total expenditure allocated by the state for this initial phase? The state government will spend around Rs 1,250 crore from its own funds for the first phase of relief distribution. ### 4. How many taluks have been declared drought-hit in Karnataka so far? A total of 177 taluks out of the state's 240 taluks have officially been declared drought-hit so far. ### 5. Are more taluks likely to be added to the drought-hit list? Yes, around 50 additional taluks are undergoing technical assessment and may qualify based on drought criteria. ### 6. How much financial assistance has Karnataka sought from the Central Government? The Karnataka government has requested approximately Rs 3,800 crore from the Centre under the National Disaster Response Fund. ### 7. What is the overall financial loss estimated due to the drought in Karnataka? Initial agricultural losses are estimated at Rs 18,000 crore, with total eventual damages projected to reach around Rs 40,000 crore. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. 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