Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the state will disburse the aid in two phases via direct benefit transfer.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced on Thursday that the state government will provide up to Rs 5,000 in drought relief to each eligible farmer. According to ThePrint, the first phase involves a direct benefit transfer (DBT) of Rs 2,500, with the remaining Rs 2,500 to be released in the following days.
The Chief Minister released Rs 17.43 crore at Vidhana Soudha to serve as the initial input subsidy for 1,06,462 farmers in Yadgir district. He stated that the second instalment for these beneficiaries is expected within 15 to 20 days.
Shivakumar noted that payment files are currently being prepared for 15 other districts, including Kolar, Ballari, Mandya, and Bengaluru Urban. He said the government is committed to supporting farmers, though the assistance may not fully cover all losses.
A joint assessment report indicates that crops have been damaged across 57.93 lakh hectares in the state. Following assessments conducted under Central government guidelines, 226 taluks have been declared drought-affected.
The state has reported estimated losses of Rs 62,000 crore due to the drought and has requested Rs 22,400 crore in assistance from the Centre. Shivakumar said the government has sought an appointment with the Prime Minister to discuss the situation.
The Chief Minister added that any further approved input subsidy under revised norms will be released in one instalment once funds are received from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
