Karnataka compensates Kalaburagi farmers ₹667.73 crore

The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of ₹667.73 crore for farmers in Kalaburagi district who experienced crop losses during the kharif season. This decision will benefit 2,36,933 farmers, according to Minister for Rural Development Priyank Kharge. Kharge described the compensation as potentially the highest ever given to farmers in the district. The relief package includes payments for crop insurance claims and additional compensation for damages caused by natural disasters. “This is a strong commitment to our farming community,” Kharge said. Out of the total compensation, ₹575.194 crore will cover insurance claims for 2,04,073 farmers who were insured during the kharif season of 2024-25. Additionally, 2,01,847 farmers have already received ₹76.34 crore in interim relief for crop damage. The government is currently collecting data on crop losses via the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority. Once verified, the compensation will be directly deposited into the affected farmers' bank accounts. Kharge also highlighted that the government is offering an extra ₹450 per quintal for red gram alongside the central government's minimum support price of ₹7,550. Furthermore, an additional relief of ₹13.47 crore has been provided through the National and State Drought Relief Fund for 35,086 farmers who suffered losses on 16,373 hectares of land due to adverse weather conditions last year.