Karnataka budget: Joida to be turned into state’s first organic taluk, dam gates to be checked

BENGALURU: The state government plans to convert Joida in Uttara Kannada district as the state’s first organic taluk. It also plans to establish an organic and millets hub at a cost of Rs 20 crore. “The state government will promote sustainable organic farming. Organic certification facility will be provided to the farmers to enable them get better market for their produce”, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said while presenting the budget.

Following the incident where a few gates of the Tungabhadra dam were washed away, the CM said major dam gates will undergo structural checks and repairs or replacements will be taken up wherever necessary. Various options will also be explored to address silt buildup in Tungabhadra Reservoir, he noted.

A hi-tech ‘Matsya Darshini’ will be opened in Mysuru to provide tasty, hygienic and nutritious fish delicacies to tourists. “The ‘Nandini’ brand is shining at the national and international level and its market share has increased due to the efforts undertaken by our government after coming to power. During 2024-25, milk in excess of one crore litre per day is being procured”, he noted.

Agriculture

Plots of model integrated farming systems development in each of 10 Agro-climatic zones for demonstrations to farmers.

An assistance of Rs.440 crore to 1.81 lakh farmers under micro irrigation.

An assistance of Rs.428 crore to 50,000 farmers under mechanization.

Rs.88 crore support to enhance production and productivity of Tur crop.

Establishment of 6000 micro food enterprises.

Construction of 12000 farm ponds under Krishi Bhagya scheme.

Digital agriculture centre will be established to enable accurate decision making.

Existing 10 Agro- climatic zones will be redefined.

Comprehensive rain fed agriculture policy will be formulated to improve livelihood of farmers.

52 labs under agriculture department will be strengthened.

Rs.20 crore to establish organic and millet hub.

Action to convert Joida as first organic taluk.

Rs.25 crore for infrastructure development in Mandya agriculture university.

Establishment of plant phenotyping fecility in Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru.

Agriculture research station will be estabhlished in Muddebihal of Vijayapura district.

Pre-feasibility report preparation for establishment of college of agriculture in Athani of Belagavi.

Horticulture

Rs 95 crore for implementation of Comprehensive Horticulture development-2 scheme.

Intelligence Cell to be established to provide Real Time information on horticulture crops.

Seed Banks will be established to conserve GI tagged and local species of horticulture crops.

Promotion of research to protect Byadagi Chillies against diseases.

An assistance of Rs.426 crore to fifty two thousand farmers under micro irrigation.

Horticulture tourism will be promoted in the horticulture departments farms and nurseries.

Feasibility report preparation for the establishment of research station in Dambala of Gadag.

Sericulture

Automatic reeling machines of 120 ends will be established for middle class silk reelers.

Second phase works of hi-tech silk markets in Ramanagar and Shidlaghata will be taken up at a cost of Rs.250 crore.

Silk cocoon market will be established in Mysuru.

Assayers will be hired for grading of silk cocoons.

Rs.55 crore allocation for Silk development programme.

Animal Husbandry

Compensation for accidental death of cattle under Anugraha scheme increased: cows/buffaloes/bullocks to Rs.15,000; sheep/goats Rs.7,500; lamb/kid Rs 5,000.

50 additional veterinary clinics to be started.

Construction of 100 new veterinary institution buildings under NABARD assistance in 2025-26.

Rs 2 crore allocated for the conservation of Hallikar, Kilari, Amruth Mahal cattle, and Bandur sheep breeds.

Fisheries

Student strength at Mangalore’s College of Fisheries to be doubled.

Fishing link roads in coastal districts to be developed with Rs.30 crore NABARD funding.

SC/ST fishermen to be given financial assistance of upto Rs 3 lakh for purchase of four-wheeler vehicle.

Up to Rs 1 lakh subsidy will be provided for replacing engines older than 15 years in registered motorized fishing boats.

Multi-level parking under PPP model to reduce congestion at Malpe fishing harbour.

Relaxation on fishing boat length restrictions to encourage deep sea fishing.

A new Fisheries policy promote sustainable fishing, and ensure fishermen’s economic growth.

Water Resources

Under Yettinahole Scheme, all 8 weirs will supply water up to 241 km.

State to allocate funds to complete Upper Bhadra Project.

Rs. 2,611 crore for Chitradurga Canal, providing irrigation to one lakh acres across 6 taluks by filling 30 lakes.

Compensation for land submerged by Almatti dam’s height increase (524.256 meters) under Upper Krishna Phase-III will be disbursed via consent awards.

Preparatory works for Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir are done. Implementation awaits central approvals.

Kalasa-Banduri Canal works (using 3.90 TMC water) were conditionally awarded. Work starts after central approval.

Pending works in Krishna, Kaveri, and other river valleys will be completed this year.

Uniform technical standards will be applied for preparation of estimates under Water Resources Department.

Various options to be explored to address silt buildup in Tungabhadra Reservoir.

Major dam gates will undergo structural checks. Repairs or replacements will follow if needed.

Minor Irrigation

45 lakes in Madhugiri and 62 in Koratagere (Tumkur) to be filled using Yettinahole water at Rs 553 crore to facilitate ground water recharge.

HN Valley Project Stage-II (24 lakes at Rs 70 crore) and Bengaluru East (18 lakes at Rs 93.5 crore) and other projects will be completed this year.

Minor irrigation projects will be implemented statewide at Rs 2,000 crore this year.