Karnataka Budget 2025: Highlights on Agriculture, Infrastructure, Fisherfolks & Cooperative system

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented his record 16th State Budget on Friday.

Here are some highlights:

A Wave of Hope for Fisherfolk!

The Karnataka government has cast a net of hope for the state’s fisherfolk with a slew of initiatives aimed at boosting their livelihood. A dedicated allocation of ₹30 crore has been announced for developing fisheries-linked roads in coastal districts, ensuring better connectivity for fishing communities. Additionally, the government is offering up to ₹1 lakh in subsidies to replace old boat engines, enhancing efficiency and safety. A new fisheries policy is also in the pipeline, focusing on sustainable growth and the overall welfare of fisherfolk, reinforcing Karnataka’s commitment to its vibrant maritime economy.

₹8,000 Cr to Transform Karnataka’s Infrastructure!

A massive push for infrastructure development is set to reshape Karnataka’s landscape with the launch of the Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Program (CMIDP). With a robust investment of ₹8,000 crore, this initiative will focus on upgrading roads, irrigation facilities, and urban infrastructure. The government envisions better connectivity, smarter cities, and a sustainable growth model that caters to the state’s rapid urbanization while strengthening rural infrastructure. This ambitious plan is expected to drive economic progress and improve the quality of life for millions.

Strengthening the Cooperative System!

The Karnataka budget lays strong emphasis on the cooperative sector, ensuring financial empowerment for farmers. A loan target of ₹28,000 crore has been set to benefit 37 lakh farmers, providing them with much-needed credit support. To modernize the sector, the government is undertaking the complete digitization of 3,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), ensuring seamless and efficient services. Additionally, ₹60 crore has been earmarked for constructing rural godowns in Kalyana Karnataka, enabling better storage and reducing post-harvest losses for farmers.

Lifeline for Farmlands!

Water security for Karnataka’s agricultural sector receives a significant boost in this year’s budget. The Ettinahole project, featuring eight weirs and a 241 km canal network, is set to channel water efficiently to farmlands, ensuring irrigation throughout the year. In another major initiative, ₹2,611 crore has been allocated for the Bhadra Upper Bank Project, which will irrigate 1.77 lakh acres of land, benefiting thousands of farmers. Moreover, the government has prioritized land acquisition and compensation for the Krishna Upper Bank Project Phase-3, ensuring smooth execution of this critical irrigation project.

With a strong focus on infrastructure, fisheries, agriculture, and cooperative empowerment, Karnataka’s budget presents a well-rounded vision for sustainable growth and development. These initiatives are set to drive progress across sectors, ensuring a prosperous future for the state’s citizens.