Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Karnataka Announces Rs 2,500 Aid for Drought-Hit Farmers
Karnataka is facing a drought, which means farmers do not have enough water for their crops.
The state government said it will give each affected farmer Rs 2,500.
This money is meant to help farmers buy things needed for farming.
The first phase may help about 45–50 lakh farmers.
It is expected to cost the state around Rs 1,250 crore.
Karnataka is waiting for the central government to provide more drought assistance.
The state says the drought may have caused losses of more than Rs 40,000 crore.
The government plans to discuss the crisis with central leaders, including through an all-party delegation.
Karnataka will provide a Rs 2,500 input subsidy to each drought-affected farmer in more than 100 taluks.
The first phase is expected to benefit around 45–50 lakh farmers and cost the state about Rs 1,250 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the aid was immediate relief while the state awaits assistance from the Centre.
Karnataka estimates drought losses could exceed Rs 40,000 crore and has submitted an initial memorandum seeking support.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has sought early release of part of the requested Rs 3,800 crore in central drought relief.
- Who
- Karnataka’s drought-affected farmers, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the Karnataka government, and the Union Government.
- What
- Karnataka announced a Rs 2,500 input subsidy for each drought-affected farmer in more than 100 taluks.
- When
- The announcement was made during the special legislature session on drought, which began on September 21; further details were reported on September 25.
- Where
- Drought-affected taluks across Karnataka; a proposed delegation would travel to New Delhi.
- Why
- The subsidy is intended to provide immediate relief while Karnataka awaits central assistance and assessment of the drought losses.
Karnataka Government
Opposition and Critics
Adequacy of the subsidy
Karnataka Government
The government says Rs 1,250 crore for the first phase is substantial immediate relief and that further measures will depend on assistance from the Union Government.
Opposition and Critics
Opposition members criticized the announced amount as inadequate for farmers affected by the drought.
Responsibility for further relief
Karnataka Government
Parameshwara said Karnataka is providing immediate support while awaiting central assistance and a central team’s assessment of losses.
Opposition and Critics
The state government has blamed the Centre for not taking sufficient initiative, while seeking early release of part of the requested Rs 3,800 crore.
- Aid per farmer
- Rs 2,500 input subsidy
- Expected beneficiaries
- Around 45–50 lakh farmers in the first phase
- First-phase cost
- About Rs 1,250 crore
- Estimated drought losses
- Likely to exceed Rs 40,000 crore
- Central relief requested
- Rs 3,800 crore
- Announcing official
- G Parameshwara, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister
- Proposed next step
- An all-party delegation may meet the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Union Agriculture Minister in New Delhi
