Karnataka’s State Agriculture Minister, N. Chaluvarayaswamy, declared that Karnataka has taken the lead in agricultural development and farmer welfare nationwide, emphasizing accomplishments in crop insurance. At the inauguration of the International Agriculture Fair and award distribution program, the Minister highlighted the state government’s efforts to empower farmers and boost agricultural output.
The Minister underscored the importance of sustainable farming practices, branding, marketing, and access to credit for enhancing farmers’ incomes. He mentioned that integrating these elements effectively into agriculture could result in profitable returns for farmers. Various measures have been implemented by the government to economically empower farmers and promote entrepreneurship, even in urban areas.
Notably, Karnataka has settled crop insurance claims exceeding Rs 6,000 crore and provided agricultural machinery worth over Rs 1,500 crore to farmers in the past two-and-a-half years. The establishment of more than 450 hi-tech harvest hubs across the state, benefiting around 40 lakh individuals, has been a significant initiative under the Chief Minister’s guidance. Additionally, SC/ST farmers are receiving subsidies of up to Rs 50 lakh.
Under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership, the government has been instrumental in executing these initiatives and consistently supporting farmers with seeds, fertilizers, and other essentials. The ongoing fair aims to link farmers with financial institutions and international markets, with participation from farmers across all districts. The primary goal is to enhance marketing strategies, value addition, and overall profitability in the agricultural domain.
