Bengaluru — The Karnataka government will provide drought relief of Rs 5,000 to every eligible farmer in two instalments, even if the Centre does not release its share, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said.

The first instalment of Rs 2,500 has been released, while discrepancies caused by incorrect bank details and loan adjustments are being verified and will be rectified, he said.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar urged farmers to remain calm. He noted that the government had formulated a plan to ensure assistance reaches all intended beneficiaries successfully, even without federal funding.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara also addressed the issue, confirming that the administration would swiftly correct any errors and ensure every eligible farming household receives the promised compensation. He noted that the state had allocated Rs 1,250 crore for the initial phase to cover roughly 50 lakh farmer families, with an equivalent amount intended for the subsequent phase.

Explaining some of the inconsistencies in the initial payouts, Parameshwara mentioned that certain farmers received varying sums because officials initially calculated payments on a per-acre basis through direct bank transfers, misinterpreting the initial assembly directive. Authorities have since been instructed to fix these oversights and adhere to the guidelines.

A pilot initiative has commenced in Yadgir district and will subsequently roll out across all districts. The second instalment will be disbursed after the first phase is finalized and the state achieves full clarity on the distribution process.

Addressing the state's pending financial assistance requests from the Centre, Parameshwara stated that officials had written weeks prior seeking an appointment and would consider leading an all-party delegation to Delhi once a meeting with the Prime Minister is secured.

Parameshwara further highlighted that farmer suicides had decreased compared to past years, supported by state legislation regulating microfinance institutions and deferred loan repayments. He also commented on recent price hikes for essentials like milk and curd, attributing financial pressures partly to a lack of central assistance and rising agricultural input costs.