In a significant move for the state's farming community, Karnataka's Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy has pledged concrete action to resolve long-standing grievances related to the weather-based crop insurance scheme. The announcement came during the inauguration of the three-day Mysuru Division-level Agriculture Fair and Horticulture Expo in Puttur on Saturday.
Addressing Systemic Flaws in Insurance Payouts
The minister directly addressed the core issue of unfair compensation payments to farmers, a problem highlighted in the legislative assembly by Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai. Chaluvarayaswamy revealed that he has already held discussions with Horticulture Minister SS Mallikarjun to find a solution. A primary technical fault identified is the unscientific placement and functioning of rain gauges and weather stations in rural areas, which directly impacts claim assessments.
These technical glitches will be rectified before the onset of the monsoon, ensuring a more accurate and fair system for the upcoming season. The minister provided context on the scheme's scale, noting that a substantial Rs 5,000 crore has already been disbursed to farmers across Karnataka under this insurance plan. Farmer participation has seen a dramatic rise, with registrations jumping from 13 lakh in previous years to over 23 lakh currently.
Boosting Farmer Income and Expanding Schemes
Beyond insurance, the minister outlined a broader vision for agricultural prosperity. He pointed out that while Karnataka has agriculture spread over 83 lakh hectares, with mixed cropping in 25 lakh hectares, farmland is gradually shrinking. To counter this and increase profitability, he urged farmers to adopt mechanised and integrated farming practices.
He emphasised that if farmers could process and market their own produce, their income would see a drastic improvement. In a major policy expansion, the minister declared that the Krushi Bhagya scheme, previously limited to select taluks, will now be extended to all 224 assembly constituencies in the state, promising wider benefits for water conservation and farm productivity.
Additional Support and Recognitions
The event also served as a platform for other key announcements. MLA Ashok Kumar Rai informed that the state has recommended the Central Government to declare 28 crops, including arecanut and rubber, as official agricultural crops, a move that would grant them greater support and recognition. Furthermore, the agriculture department's financial assistance was highlighted, with Rs 2,500 crore provided to 31 districts for various initiatives.
The fair concluded on a celebratory note as Minister Chaluvarayaswamy honoured the recipients of the Best Farmer Award, Best Farm Labourer Award, and Agricultural Implements Manufacturer-Entrepreneur Award, recognising excellence and innovation within the agricultural sector.
