Cabinet Reviews Drought Situation, Approves Agri-Tech Mission and Welfare Projects, Says D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said the State Cabinet reviewed the drought situation and approved a series of measures, including the Karnataka Agri-Tech Mission 2026 and welfare initiatives, during the Cabinet meeting.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Shivakumar said all senior officials participated in the drought review despite it being a Sunday, stressing that there are no holidays when dealing with such an important issue. He said district officials had submitted reports and reiterated that the government and officials would work together as ‘Team Karnataka’.
He said 158 taluks have received normal rainfall, while 20 taluks have received no rainfall, and instructed officials to remain vigilant, particularly in severely affected districts.
The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Agri-Tech Mission 2026, which will use satellite data, drone surveys and weather forecasting to guide farmers on crop patterns, pest management and cultivation practices. The government approved an estimated Rs.36 crore proposal for the Agriculture Department to undertake the project.
Shivakumar said the Cabinet also granted administrative approval of about Rs.30 crore for the purchase of 15,000 sites under the Backward Classes Welfare Department.
The government also approved construction of houses for nomadic communities in identified taluks, fixing a unit cost of Rs.10 lakh for houses measuring about 380-400 sq. ft.
He said approval was also given for establishing an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at IIIT Raichur in the Kalyana Karnataka region, to be completed over five years, with funding of Rs.15 crore, including an initial allocation of Rs.12 crore.
The Cabinet further approved steps towards construction of a new hostel for MBBS and BDS students instead of repairing the existing facility. Shivakumar said land would be identified near the medical college and approvals had been granted to finalise the site and proceed with the project, estimated to cost around Rs.83 crore.
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