The State government will now extend the benefits under the Krishi Bhagya scheme to all farmers instead of restricting it to only rain-fed farmers.
M. Mahanteshappa, Joint Director of Agriculture, told The Hindu that the State government had decided to provide the benefits under the scheme to all farmers in the dry land area and it had agreed to provide additional grants to the districts for the purpose. Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has agreed to double the funds for Krishi Bhagya scheme to reach out to all farmers.
The Joint Director said that last year only 320 farmers were covered under the scheme, but this year all farmers who apply for it will get its benefit.
Mysuru, Nanjangud, T. Narasipura and K.R. Nagar taluks that come under the southern dry zone will benefit. Hunsur and H.D.Kote, which are in transitional zone, are also included in dry zone in Mysuru district and farmers of these two taluks would also be given benefits under the scheme from this year, said Mr. Mahanteshappa.Under the scheme, beneficiaries get for constructing farm ponds, installing diesel or solar pump sets to lift water and drip or sprinkler system. Farmers are given 80 per cent subsidy on purchase of agricultural equipment, and 90 p.c. subsidy is extended to farmers belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
He further noted that farmers could grow horticulture crops with the help of polyhouses under the scheme. He said that growing horticulture crops by setting up polyhouses may cost Rs. 26 lakh. The government would give subsidy to farmers at different stages as and when they set them up. Similarly, farmers who grow crops without polyhouses would be given a subsidy of Rs. 2.3 lakh, he added.
The State government has released Rs.16 crore to Mysuru district this year for the implementation of the scheme, he added.
