Karnataka Government Announces Extra ₹8,500 per Hectare Relief for Farmers Hit by Floods and Crop Loss

The Karnataka government has unveiled a major relief package for farmers affected by torrential rains and floods, providing an additional ₹8,500 per hectare compensation on top of the assistance already available under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the decision was taken after assessing widespread crop losses across the state. According to preliminary reports, more than 10 lakh hectares of farmland have been severely damaged, leaving lakhs of farmers struggling with heavy financial setbacks.

Doubling Compensation for Farmers

Under the new package, the compensation for farmers will effectively double for many categories:

• Dryland crops: The earlier assistance of ₹8,500 per hectare will now rise to ₹17,000 per hectare.

• Irrigated crops: Compensation will increase from ₹17,000 to ₹25,500 per hectare.

• Perennial crops: Farmers will now receive ₹31,000 per hectare, up from the earlier ₹22,500.

This additional aid aims to provide farmers with immediate financial support so that they can recover from losses and continue agricultural activities without falling into deeper debt.

Regions and Scale of Damage

Siddaramaiah highlighted that districts such as Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, and Vijayapura have been among the worst-hit, with extensive crop destruction reported. A joint survey covering about five lakh hectares has already been conducted, confirming the scale of damage.

The floods have not only destroyed crops but have also claimed 52 human lives and led to the loss of 422 cattle. Families of the deceased individuals and livestock owners have been compensated, while state officials have been instructed to speed up relief and rehabilitation efforts in all affected areas.

Farmers’ Relief and Government’s Next Steps

The state government has assured farmers that it is committed to completing damage surveys at the earliest and disbursing compensation without delay. Authorities have also been directed to ensure that relief work reaches even the most remote villages impacted by the floods.

In addition to state-level assistance, Karnataka has decided to seek further aid from the central government to address both crop losses and damage to agricultural infrastructure. This extra support is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to revive farming activities in flood-hit regions.

Crops Worst Affected

Several key crops, including kharif crops like tur, moong, soybean, and cotton, have been badly affected. The losses have come at a critical time for farmers, many of whom depend on seasonal harvests for their livelihood. With the compensation hike, the government hopes to reduce the economic burden on farmers and help them resume cultivation in the upcoming seasons.

A Lifeline for Struggling Farmers

The announcement comes as a much-needed lifeline for lakhs of farmers grappling with crop failure due to unpredictable monsoon patterns. While compensation may not fully cover the losses, it is expected to provide immediate relief, preventing farmers from abandoning agricultural activity or falling into distress.

By combining state-level aid with central assistance, the government aims to restore confidence among the farming community and ensure that the state’s agricultural output remains resilient despite natural calamities.

Final Takeaway

The Karnataka government’s decision to extend an additional ₹8,500 per hectare compensation is a major relief step for farmers devastated by floods and heavy rains. With nearly 10 lakh hectares of crops damaged, this aid will bring critical financial support to affected families.

By doubling compensation amounts and ensuring quick disbursement, the government hopes to stabilize farmers’ income, safeguard rural livelihoods, and boost recovery efforts in the state’s agriculture sector.