Karnataka CM Announces Rs 10,000 per hectare to Millet Growers to Boost Production

Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai announced an incentive of 10,000 per hectare for increasing minor millets production under the 'Raithasiri' scheme to encourage the expansion of cultivation area, increase production & improve productivity in his budget presentation for 2023-24.

"Karnataka is at the cutting edge of millets production. As part of the International Year of Millets, minor millets growers will be given a Rs 10,000 per hectare incentive under the "Raithasiri" scheme to encourage area expansion, production, and productivity. Apart from that, under the new 'Mukhyamanthri Raitha Unnathi Yojane,' priority will be given to Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in processing, grading, and packing at the field level," Bommai explained.

The State Budget proposes to construct a high-tech cocoon market at Shidlaghatta, Asia's second largest cocoon market, at a cost of 75 crore with NABARD assistance. This will benefit silk growers in Kolar, Chickballapur, and surrounding districts.

It has also announced an international hi-tech flower market in Chickballapur, as well as retail flower markets based on modern technology in Bengaluru and Haveri.

In order to increase milk production in the Kalyana Karnataka region, the Budget proposes to build a mega dairy in Ballari district with a capacity of two lakh litres per day at a cost of 100 crore. Previously, the government provided 90 crores for the establishment of a mega dairy in Haveri.

Bommai also stated that Apical Root Culture Technology will be made available to farmers at a reasonable cost in order for them to achieve self-sufficiency in potato seed cultivation. Potato seed from the northern states is being imported for potato cultivation.