Extension policy

Raitha Samparka Kendra- Farm Clinics

To provide extension service to farmers and encourage them for adopt modern technologies, 745 RSKs are established, one in each hobli of the State. Providing updated crop production related know-how, critical agricultural inputs, primary seed and soil testing facilities and arranging interface with public and private sector technologies are the responsibilities of these centers. The farmers can visit them and avail required farm information, inputs and other supporting services and benefits. Arrangement has also been made to seek information over phone. The technical staff of RSKs visits all the villages of the hobli as per the fixed visit schedule and arrange farmers meet and provide necessary suggestions. Field visits are also arranged to facilitate adoption of new technologies. During 2008-09, an allocation of Rs.186.17 lakh is provided up to the end of November 2008 an expenditure of Rs.43.21 lakh is incurred.

Subsidized Seeds Distribution to small and marginal farmers:

During Rabi 2008-09, it was programmed to distribute 6 crop seeds at 50 percent subsidized rates to Small and Marginal Farmers and chickpea was one among them.

 National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

NFSM started with following objectives.

• To increase the production of rice, wheat and pulses by increasing there area under cultivation in selected districts of the state and productivity improving methods.
• To increase the productivity by maintaining soil health in the farmers fields.
• To increase the employment opportunities.
• To increase the confidence among farmers by increasing the income at farm level.

In Karnataka, under NFSM 13 districts viz., Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Raichur, Dharwad, Gadag, Koppal, Bellary, Chitradurga, Tumkur and Mysore have been selected for pulses.

Facilities provided to farmers under NFSM (Pulses)

• Incentive of Rs. 1000/- per quintal to the foundation / certified seeds produced by the farmers.
• Subsidy of Rs. 1200/- per quintal for the distribution of certified seeds
• Subsidy to maximum of Rs. 750/- per hectare for the application of gypsum under integrated nutrient management.
• Subsidy to a maximum of Rs. 500/- for application micro nutrients
• Subsidy of Rs. 7500/- per hectare for the adoption of sprinkler irrigation set
• Free training to farmers in the model of Farmers field school (FFS).

Assistance for farm mechanisation

The maximum permissible assistance for farm mechanization to various equipments/machinery was at the rate of 25 to 50 percent of the cost.