Karnataka will implement a Comprehensive Horticulture Development Scheme – 2.0 with an outlay of ₹95 crore in the financial year 2025-26 to take the technology developments to farmers.
Presenting the state budget for financial year 2025-26, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said “Contribution of horticulture crops is significant in augmenting farmers’ income. In this background, to ensure the technological advancements in value addition, processing cropping pattern reaches the farmers, Comprehensive Horticulture Development Scheme – 2.0 will be implemented with an outlay of ₹95 crore in the Financial Year 2025-26.”
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Also, a Knowledge Cell will be established by Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in partnership with the private players to provide farmers with real-time data on the extent, production, crop health and market data about horticultural crops by using satellite and other modern technologies. A seed bank will be established to conserve the 20 GI tagged and other indigenous crops which are on the verge of extinction, Siddaramiah said.
He also announced that a research and conservation activity to protect Byadagi chilli from leaf-curl disease, thrips and other diseases will be conducted and an allocation of ₹426 crore will be made under the micro irrigation scheme to provide financial assistance to 52,000 farmers.
“Due to the leaf spot disease, more than 2 lakh areca nut growers in Malenadu districts are in distress, ₹62 crore has been provided for plant protection measures to control this disease,” the CM said.
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Also, the infestation of the black-headed caterpillar in coconut-growing areas has come to the notice of the government and plant protection measures will be taken after conducting a scientific survey based on the findings of the survey.
Organic and Millet Hub will be established at a cost of ₹20 crore to encourage organic and millet farming, to bridge the gap between supply and demand of these crops and to create suitable market facility for the farmers, Siddaramiah said.