Karnataka Govt Launches PSS for Bengal Gram at MSP Rs 5,440/Qtl in Rabi 2023-24

Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, announced on February 15 that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, has disbursed Rs.235.14 crores to the Government of Karnataka as the 3rd instalment under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). This allocation, dated 15th Feb 2024, is earmarked for the financial year 2023-24.

The released funds will be utilized by the State Government to implement various components under the RKVY scheme. The allocated amount will support the following initiatives:

1. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana - RKVY (DPR)

2. Soil Health and Fertility (SH&F)

3. Rainfed Area Development (RAD)

4. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

5. Sub Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)

6. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

7. Agro-Forestry

8. Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)

Utilization of Funds for Agricultural Infrastructure Growth

The funds approved will be dedicated to enhancing agricultural infrastructure under the specified components. This includes the construction of godowns, water harvesting structures, establishment of primary demonstration units, procurement of tractors, power tillers, drones, promotion of integrated farming, soil health fertility, and setting up custom hiring centers. Shobha Karandlaje highlighted the significance of this allocation, emphasizing its role in bolstering the agricultural sector's capabilities and benefiting farmers in Karnataka.

Total Allocation for 2023-24

The Union Minister further disclosed that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, has allocated a total of Rs.761.89 crores for the year 2023-24 under RKVY to Karnataka State. This substantial financial support is intended to comprehensively implement all the outlined components for the welfare of farmers in the state.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, granted an additional allocation of Rs.178.65 crores on 25th Jan 2024 to the Karnataka State Government under the RKVY scheme. The augmented allocation includes funds for the implementation of SMAM (Rs.120 crores), Soil Health Card (Rs.12.00 crores), and RKVY - DPR (Rs.46.65 crores). Consequently, the initial allocation under RKVY has increased from Rs.583.24 crores to Rs.761.89 crores for the financial year 2023-24.

As of now, the Central Government has released a total of Rs.526.75 crores out of the allocated Rs.761.89 crores. The remaining balance amount will be disbursed after the State utilizes the released funds.

Approval for Bengal Gram Procurement (Channa)

Additionally, Shobha Karandlaje informed that on 15th Feb 2024, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, approved the procurement of Bengal Gram (Channa) in the State of Karnataka under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). The approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Bengal Gram is set at Rs.5440 per quintal, covering a maximum quantity of 1,39,740 MTs for the Rabi 2023-24 season.

Under Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji's visionary leadership, we're ensuring that our farmers thrive. 

For the Rabi 2023-24 season, the govt has now implemented the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in Karnataka, ensuring Bengal Gram (Channa) procurement at an MSP of Rs 5,440/qtl. pic.twitter.com/ogcnbHvkTs
— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) February 15, 2024