Agriculture continues to be the backbone of Karnataka’s rural economy. To strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, improve productivity, reduce cultivation costs, and promote sustainable farming practices, the Karnataka Agriculture Department is implementing several subsidy-based agriculture schemes during the financial year 2025–26.
Despite the availability of many farmer welfare programs, a large number of farmers are still unaware of the schemes, eligibility conditions, subsidy percentages, and the correct application process. This lack of information often prevents deserving farmers from availing government benefits.
This detailed article provides complete and updated information on Agriculture Subsidy Schemes in Karnataka for 2025–26, including:
- List of active schemes
- Scheme-wise benefits and subsidy rates
- Eligibility criteria
- Type of assistance provided
- Where and how to apply
This guide is especially useful for small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers, SC/ST farmers, and rural entrepreneurs involved in agriculture and allied activities.
Agriculture Subsidy Schemes Implemented by Karnataka Agriculture Department (2025–26)
The Karnataka Agriculture Department is currently implementing the following major schemes during the 2025–26 financial year:
- Seed Distribution Scheme
- Farm Mechanization Scheme
- Agricultural Processing Scheme
- Micro Irrigation – Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
- Agricultural Market Intervention Fund
- Interest-Free and Low-Interest Loans through Cooperative Societies
- Crop Loan Interest Subsidy Scheme
- Krushi Bhagya Scheme
- Hi-Tech Harvester Hub Scheme
- Rashtriya Krushi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM) & National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO)
- Compensation Scheme for Families of Farmers Who Died by Suicide
Each scheme is explained in detail below.
1. Seed Distribution Scheme
Under the Seed Distribution Scheme, the Karnataka Agriculture Department supplies certified and quality-tested seeds for various agricultural crops to farmers at subsidized rates.
Key Benefits:
- Ensures availability of high-quality seeds
- Improves crop productivity
- Reduces seed cost burden on farmers
Subsidy Details:
- General category farmers: 50% subsidy
- SC/ST farmers: 75% subsidy
Seeds are distributed for major crops such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops depending on the season and region.
2. Farm Mechanization Scheme
To promote timely agricultural operations and reduce dependency on manual labor, the department offers subsidies on farm machinery and implements under the Farm Mechanization Scheme.
Objectives:
- Encourage use of modern agricultural equipment
- Reduce labor shortages
- Improve operational efficiency
Subsidy Structure:
- General farmers: 50% subsidy
- SC/ST farmers: Up to 90% subsidy
Financial Limits:
- Maximum subsidy for farm implements: ₹1.00 lakh
- Tractor subsidy (up to 45 PTO HP):
- General category: ₹75,000
- SC/ST category: Up to 90% subsidy with a maximum limit of ₹3.00 lakh
3. Agricultural Processing Scheme
This scheme promotes value addition and post-harvest processing of agricultural produce.
Components Covered:
- Agricultural processing units
- Tarpaulins for produce protection
- Small mechanized oil extraction units
Subsidy Rates:
- Processing units & tarpaulins:
- General category: 50%
- SC/ST category: 90%
- Small oil extraction units:
- General category: 75%
- SC/ST category: 90%
- Maximum subsidy limit: ₹1.00 lakh
This scheme helps farmers increase income by processing and marketing value-added products.
4. Micro Irrigation – Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
The Micro Irrigation Scheme under PMKSY promotes water-efficient irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.
Subsidy Details:
- Small & marginal farmers: 55%
- Other farmers: 45%
- Additional state subsidy brings total subsidy to 90% for all categories in Karnataka
Coverage:
- Maximum area: 5 hectares per farmer
- Funding ratio: Central Government (60%) and State Government (40%)
This scheme plays a critical role in water conservation and climate-resilient agriculture.
5. Agricultural Market Intervention Fund
The Karnataka Government maintains an Agricultural Market Intervention Fund to protect farmers from price crashes.
Purpose:
- Government intervention when market prices fall below cost of production
- Ensures fair remuneration to farmers
This fund is activated during periods of severe price fluctuation in agricultural markets.
6. Loans through Cooperative Societies
To ensure easy credit access, farmers can avail loans through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies.
Loan Benefits:
- Short-term crop loans:
- Up to ₹5.00 lakh
- Zero interest
- Medium-term loans:
- Up to ₹15.00 lakh
- Interest rate: 3%
This scheme reduces dependency on private moneylenders.
7. Crop Loan Interest Subsidy Scheme
Farmers who avail crop loans from commercial banks and regional rural banks are eligible for interest subsidy.
Key Benefit:
- 1% interest subvention for crop loans up to ₹1.00 lakh
- Applicable if loan is repaid within the stipulated period
The scheme is implemented through the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC).
8. Krushi Bhagya Scheme
The Krushi Bhagya Scheme supports rainfed farmers by promoting on-farm water conservation.
Components Covered:
- Farm bund construction
- Farm ponds (Krushi Honda)
- Polyethylene lining for ponds
- Diesel, petrol, or solar pump sets
- Micro irrigation systems
- Fencing around ponds
Subsidy Rates:
- General category farmers: 80%
- SC/ST farmers: 90%
- Micro irrigation: 90% for all farmers
- Fencing:
- General category: 40%
- SC/ST category: 50%
This scheme significantly enhances water availability in dryland areas.
9. Hi-Tech Harvester Hub Scheme
Under this scheme, Hi-Tech Harvester Hubs are established to provide farm machinery on a rental basis.
Eligible Beneficiaries:
- Farm Machinery Hiring Centers
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Cooperatives
- Individual entrepreneurs
Subsidy Details:
- Subsidy ranges from 40% to 70%
- Maximum financial assistance per unit: ₹100.00 lakh
This initiative helps small farmers access advanced machinery at affordable costs.
10. Rashtriya Krushi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
RKVY promotes integrated farming systems combining agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry.
Objectives:
- Increase farmers’ income
- Improve productivity
- Promote sustainable and diversified farming
The scheme supports infrastructure development, innovation, and technology adoption in agriculture.
11. National Food Security Mission (NFSM) & NMEO – Oilseeds
These national missions aim to increase production of:
- Food grains
- Pulses
- Oilseeds
- Cotton and sugarcane
Assistance Provided:
- Quality seeds
- Micronutrients
- Bio-fertilizers
- Plant protection chemicals
- Gypsum and agricultural lime
- Farm tools
Subsidy:
- 50% subsidy on inputs and demonstrations
These schemes strengthen food security and reduce dependence on edible oil imports.
12. Compensation Scheme for Families of Farmers Who Died by Suicide
The Karnataka Government provides financial and social support to families of farmers who died by suicide.
Key Features:
- Compensation amount: ₹5.00 lakh
- Paid to legal heirs through the Revenue Department
- District-level committees monitor implementation
- Senior officials visit affected families
- Psychological counseling and awareness programs are conducted
This scheme aims to provide relief, dignity, and long-term support to bereaved families.
How to Apply for Agriculture Subsidy Schemes in Karnataka?
Eligible and interested farmers must follow the steps below:
Application Process:
- Visit your Hobli-level Farmer Contact Centre (Raitha Samparka Kendra)
- Carry required documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Land records (RTC)
- Bank passbook
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
- Submit application through the Agriculture Department officials
Selection Process:
- Applications are verified at the field level
- Subsidies are released directly to the beneficiary’s bank account
Conclusion
The Agriculture Subsidy Schemes in Karnataka for 2025–26 offer extensive support to farmers across all categories. From seeds and irrigation to mechanization, processing, credit support, and risk mitigation, these schemes are designed to make farming profitable, sustainable, and resilient.
Farmers are strongly encouraged to stay connected with their local Raitha Samparka Kendra and take full advantage of these government initiatives to improve productivity and income.
For the latest updates, guidelines, and notifications, farmers should regularly check the official Karnataka Agriculture Department website or consult local agriculture officers.
