Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has brought forth encouraging news for farmers in the state, unveiling a series of promising schemes and initiatives. In a bid to empower and support the agricultural community, the Government has raised the loan limits and introduced interest subsidies, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and ensure the welfare of farmers.
To begin with, the ceiling for short-term loans, offered at a zero interest rate, has been raised from three lakh rupees to five lakh rupees. This increase in the loan limit provides farmers with greater financial flexibility for their immediate farming needs. Additionally, the threshold for medium and long-term loans, carrying a low interest rate of 3 percent, has been elevated from 10 lakh rupees to 15 lakh rupees, enabling farmers to access larger sums of capital for long-term investments.
The Government’s commitment to supporting farmers extends to facilitating the storage of agricultural produce. Farmers will now receive a 7% interest subsidy on loans up to 20 lakh rupees for constructing warehouses. This measure aims to assist farmers in storing their own produce as well as that of neighboring farmers, ensuring better market availability and reducing post-harvest losses.
Addressing the transportation needs of farmers in hilly areas, the government has introduced a special loan scheme. Farmers in districts such as Shimoga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada can avail a loan of up to 7 lakh rupees at a 4 percent interest rate to purchase a four-wheeler pickup van. This will facilitate the efficient transportation of agricultural produce and implements, enabling farmers to reach markets more effectively.
In collaboration with KAPPEC, the Government plans to establish mini cold storages in 50 selected vegetable markets across the state. This initiative aims to alleviate distress sales caused by price fluctuations of perishable fruits, flowers, and vegetables. By ensuring fair prices and minimising losses, farmers will have greater stability in their income.
Furthermore, the government remains committed to strengthening agricultural produce markets and ensuring decent prices for farmers. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the success of previous initiatives, including the implementation of the country’s first online market system. The Government aims to leverage these efforts to engage in forward trading with deficit crop areas in neighboring states, guarding against price fluctuations and securing favorable market conditions for Karnataka farmers.
Turning attention to the fishing community, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has introduced schemes aimed at empowering fishermen and promoting their economic self-sufficiency. The interest-free loan amount for fisherwomen has been increased from 50 thousand rupees to 3 lakh rupees, providing them with greater financial support to expand their businesses.
Recognising the growing number of seafaring fishermen and their increased demand for subsidised diesel, the Government has raised the diesel quota from 1.5 lakh kilo litres to 2 lakh kilo litres. This initiative, backed by a financial assistance of 250 Crore rupees, will benefit over 15 percent of fisherfolk in addition to those already engaged in fishing operations.
To encourage modernisation in the fishing industry, the Government will provide a subsidy of 50 thousand rupees for the conversion of kerosene boat engines into more efficient diesel and petrol engines. This move aligns with the phasing out of kerosene production for all applications, while ensuring the needs of long liner fishermen who rely on kerosene for cooking during multi-day fishing trips.
The Budget also highlights plans to enhance fish fingerling production, promote inland fisheries, and focus on the development of shrimp farming in brackish waters along the coast. Moreover, private partnerships are being encouraged to establish cold chains in coastal districts, improving price realisation for the catch and meeting the demand for various fish varieties.
During the Budget session, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faced criticism from opposition parties, who questioned the allocation of funds and accused the Government of prioritising pre-poll schemes. While contrasting views were expressed, the Budget speech highlighted the Government’s commitment to responsible financial management and efforts to address the needs of various communities.
Notably, the establishment of a Christian Development Board was announced, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Christian community. However, concerns were raised regarding the neglect of the coastal district and the lack of provisions for holistic development in various sectors.
The Budget session witnessed diverse perspectives, with both praise and criticism directed at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s budget. The allocations for farmers, poor people, education, health, women, and children were lauded by some, while others expressed concerns about false promises, lack of clarity on revenue collection, and the absence of long-term plans for key sectors.
In conclusion, the Budget introduced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah brings forth a range of initiatives and schemes aimed at empowering farmers and supporting the fishing community. While facing criticism and contrasting opinions, the government remains committed to addressing the needs of different communities and promoting responsible financial management for the overall development of the state.