Karnataka state budget 2013-14

Agriculture Budget 2013-14 HIGHLIGHTS Achievements Agriculture 125 lakh tons of food grains production estimated during 2012-13, it is higher than production of 118.83 lakh tons last year (2011-12). The share of the agricultural sector became 15.3 % of the Gross State Domestic Product during 2012-13; the rate of growth of agriculture sector increased to 1.8% during 201213 from (-) 2.2% in 2011-12 thus increasing by 4% on year to year basis, inspite of drought.

1. Creation of basic database of farmers and distribution of pass books: Database containing comprehensive information (land holding, category, address, facilities availed etc) of farmers has to be created with the integration of Bhoomi project with the existing Aadhar database in the State.

 Revised design for extension programmes and its implementation Due to shortage of technical staff in the agriculture department, it is not being possible to manage the extension programmes properly. New MoU for improvement of life of farmers: With a view to improve the economic condition of the farmers along with agricultural wealth, Farmers Income Commission will be set up as per the recommendations of Dr. Swaminathan. In order to formulate a programme to protect the farmers of Karnataka from the effect of frequent droughts, the State Government has entered into a MoU with 9 international C.G.I.A.R1 organisations.

 2 nd Stage of the Bhuchethana Scheme : A unique scheme called Bhuchethana is being implemented in Karnataka State in collaboration with ICRISAT from 2009-10 to improve the financial status of the farmers by increasing the productivity of rain fed crops by at least 20 percent. Rs 75 crores will be provided for this scheme during 2013-14 to extend an area of 168 lakh acres including 144 lakh acres of dry land and 24 lakh acres of irrigated land.
Suvarna Bhoomi Scheme: Based on the demand from the farmers, the scheme will be continued during this year and will be extended to the farmers growing millets such as Ragi, Jowar, Maize and Bajra. Rs.300 Crores will be provided for assisting 3 lakh beneficiaries under this scheme during the current year.

 Rejuvenation of Saline and Alkaline land Preparation, certification and distribution of organic manure Own Seed Development Scheme Providing information to farmers and extension workers on mobile phones Weather based insurance scheme for all crops Solar power pump sets Merging of Schemes

 Horticulture Horticulture sector income of Rs.23,000 crore is 40% of the overall agricultural income of the state. Rs.5159 crore income to the farmers from exports. Area of cultivation grew at 5% and the production grew at 6%.

Animal Husbandry Rs.41.75 crore spent for construction of veterinary college buildings and providing infrastructural facilities. Starting of veterinary polytechnic at Konehalli in Tumkur District. Assistance of Rs.20 lakhs to non-governmental organizations under Cow Protection Programme. Rs.220 lakhs under the Calamity Relief Fund and Rs.284 lakhs under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojane released for66 Budget Highlights 2013 - 14 growing fodder in the departmental farms and mini fodder seed kits supplied to 1.10 lakh farmers.

887 M.Ts of fodder purchased from Vijayawada at a cost of Rs.97.49 lakhs and supplied to goshalas opened in the drought affected districts. 83 lakhs cattle and buffalos vaccinated for foot and mouth disease. Implementation of Dhanvantri Yojane to provide emergency treatment (on the lines of 108) to cattle, initially in 26 taluks of 5 Districts. Action for filling up posts of 391 veterinary doctors and 642 veterinary assistants

Fishries 1,14,600 kilo liters of diesel provided under the scheme of supply of tax free diesel. Power subsidy of Rs.2.10 crore to 173 ice plants for rejuvenation of ice plants and cold storage units. Rs.10 crore spent towards integrated development of fisheries under Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojane. Construction of fishing harbors at Mangalore, Honnavar, Malpe and Koderi at a cost of Rs.159 crore, including central assistance.

Sericulture About 1.32 lakh families are involved in sericulture in 1,80,000 acres; annual silk production has touched 8000 MTS. During 2012-13 an additional 19,924 acres brought under mulberry cultivation and silk production reached 5,096 MTS (at the end of December 2012).

Co-operation Under the scheme of agricultural loan at concessional rate of interest to the farmers, during the last 4 years, Rs.18176 crore loan disbursed. 53.37 lakh beneficiaries received the loan and Rs.939 crore paid as interest subsidy. As at the end of December 2012, Rs.4025 crore short term agriculture loan distributed to 9.75 lakh farmers through the co-operative institutions. Rs.2703 crore crop loan distributed to 8.72 lakh farmers at zero percent interest

 During 2012-13, Rs.10 crore released towards the interest subsidy of Rs.262 crore loan availed by 18,669 self help groups. Rs.3630 crore of loan including Rs.3284 crore principal and Rs.346 crores interest availed by 15.24 lakh farmers waived. During 2012-13, 29.46 lakh members registered under the Yashswini yojane; 52,166 members underwent surgery, amount of Rs.49 crore paid. 10,062 new self help groups formed, Rs.292 crore loan distributed to 20,789 self help groups through the cooperative institutions.

Agriculture Markets The size of revolving fund increased from Rs.650 crore to Rs. 725 crore. Expenditure of Rs.7 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund scheme and Rs.5 crore under the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojane. Rs.1.12 crores spent for providing infrastructural facilities to 12 markets in the backward areas. Preparation of project report for the establishment of Coconut Technology Park in Tiptur of Tumkur District completed. 90 acres land acquired in Kartagi of Gangavathi Taluk being developed as Paddy Technology Park.

Water Resources
25 projects completed during the last four and half years and irrigation facility provided to an additional 7 lakh acres and field irrigation canals constructed in 4.86 lakh acres. 2.56 lakh acres of saline and alkaline lands reclaimed and field drainage canals constructed in 8.35 lakh acres and 2969 kms ayakut roads developed. Rs.750 crore spent for rehabilitation and resettlement and for the development of Bagalkote. High priority to the drinking water schemes, pure and safe drinking water provided to the local villages by rejuvenating many tanks. Construction of 1932 kms Achkat road.

 NEW STRATAGIES Horticulture To compensate for deficiency of vitamin A and B in 50 lakh children suffering from malnourishment of North Karnataka, it is proposed to supply fruits and vegetables to them by growing in kitchen gardens, school gardens, community parks and such other places. Rs. 50 crore for establishment of mega wholesale markets and storage centres in all major district head quarters and for properly equipping them and for upgrading district level HOPCOMS sale outlets.

Rs.10 crore provided for enabling higher production of honey by the communities by rejuvenating training centres and by conducting skill based training programmes in Madikeri district and other places. Establishment of Karnataka State Spices Development Board for the development, processing and marketing of spices. Rs.10 crore will be provided as seed money of the Board and Rs.5 crore as development fund. Establishment of an expert centre in collaboration with Indian and Dutch Governments, to organise demonstration for the farmers regarding production, management of superior quality Indian and Dutch vegetable and flower crops, green house technology, labour management and management of supply chain