Now, Krishi Bhagya for farmers of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi

Subsidy for farm ponds, diesel pumps and polyhouses

Krishi Bhagya scheme, an ambitious scheme launched by the state government in 2014, will finally benefit farmers in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Malnad districts from this year.

The government has decided to extend the scheme across the state in view of prevailing drought-like situation across the state. Speaking to DH, agriculture department joint director Kempegowda said about 70 applications have been received so far.

“The target for the year is to construct 700 farm ponds in Dakshina Kannada district under the scheme. This, in turn, will help the recharging of groundwater table as well. The government has released Rs 1.40 crore as the first instalment amount under the scheme. The scheme provides subsidy for four models of farm ponds. In addition, it will also provide subsidy for diesel pump to lift water from farm ponds and for sprinklers.”

Along with this, subsidy will be provided for the construction of polyhouses to grow vegetables and flower crops to earn better income using the assistance provided under the programme through horticulture department.

“As the district and farmers faced water crisis during this summer, the scheme will benefit the farmers of the district in the long run in recharging the groundwater table,” he felt.

The government will provide financial support under the scheme for the purchase of plastic sheets to be used for the pond. If a minimum of four farmers come together to utilise the pumpsets, then it will be given free of cost or else there will be 50% subsidy for individual farmers, he added.

“After receiving applications from the farmers, the department officials will visit the spot for verification and ask them to take up works,” he added.

Under the Krishi Bhagya scheme, the thrust is on helping farmers take up water conservation methods, like constructing farm ponds in their agriculture land, and saving every drop of rainwater, to protect the crops during dry spells.

Till last year, the Krishi Bhagya was being implemented in five agro climatic zones that receive an average rainfall between 450 mm and 850 mm. The aim is to supply water for sustainable agriculture. It also aims at promoting dairy farming along with farming activities by rearing cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and piggery.

The scheme encourages farmers to adopt modern technology and take up appropriate crop pattern system for increasing agriculture yield.