Krishi Bhagya Scheme 2026: Get Up to 90% Subsidy for Farm Ponds in Karnataka k 25
The Government of Karnataka has officially invited online applications for its flagship agricultural welfare program, the Krishi Bhagya Scheme 2026. Designed to make rainfed agriculture sustainable, mitigate drought risks, and optimize water usage, this initiative provides substantial financial support to farmers for constructing farm ponds (Krishi Honda), setting up micro-irrigation systems, and installing diesel pumpsets.
Under this drive, eligible farmers across targeted districts can receive up to 90% direct subsidy deposited straight into their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Approvals are being processed swiftly, with project sanctions expected within two months of application submission.
Scheme at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
| Scheme Name | Krishi Bhagya Yojane 2026 |
| Nodal Department | Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka |
| Key Component | Farm Pond Construction (Krishi Honda), Polythene Lining, Micro-Irrigation |
| Subsidy Rate | 80% for General Category; 90% for SC/ST Farmers |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked Bank Account |
| Target Approval Time | Within 60 days of verified application submission |
| Application Portal | K-Kisan Portal / Seva Sindhu |
Why the Krishi Bhagya Scheme Matters for Rainfed Farmers
Agriculture in Karnataka remains heavily dependent on seasonal monsoon rains, leaving dryland and rainfed farmers vulnerable to long dry spells, delayed monsoons, and droughts. The Krishi Bhagya Scheme addresses these challenges directly by encouraging in-situ rainwater harvesting.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Rainwater Harvesting Cycle │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┘
│
┌──────────────────────────────▼──────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. Monsoon Rainfall Captured in Farm Pond (Krishi Honda) │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┘
│
┌──────────────────────────────▼──────────────────────────────┐
│ 2. Polythene Tarpaulins Prevent Water Seepage Loss │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┘
│
┌──────────────────────────────▼──────────────────────────────┐
│ 3. Diesel Pump / Solar Pump Lifts Water During Dry Spells │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┘
│
┌──────────────────────────────▼──────────────────────────────┐
│ 4. Drip or Sprinkler Systems Distribute Water Efficiently │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Key Financial & Operational Benefits
- Assured Critical Irrigation: Stored rainwater can provide 2 to 3 lifesaving irrigations to standing crops during extended dry spells, preventing complete crop failure.
- Soil Health Preservation: Proper pond construction captures surface runoff, reducing topsoil erosion and nutrient loss during heavy downpours.
- High Financial Backing: With an 80% to 90% subsidy structure, the out-of-pocket expenditure for farmers is minimal.
- Enhanced Crop Diversity: Access to harvested water allows dryland farmers to cultivate higher-value horticultural crops alongside traditional coarse cereals.
Component-Wise Subsidy Breakdown
The Krishi Bhagya package is not limited to pond excavation; it covers an integrated set of rainwater collection and irrigation technologies:
┌──────────────────────────┐
│ Krishi Bhagya Package │
└────────────┬─────────────┘
│
┌────────────────────────┼────────────────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐
│ Farm Pond │ │ Tarpaulin │ │ Pump & Micro │
│ Excavation │ │ Seepage Line │ │ Irrigation │
└───────────────┘ └───────────────┘ └───────────────┘
- Farm Pond Construction (Krishi Honda):
- Available in various standardized dimensions (e.g., $10\text{ m} \times 10\text{ m} \times 3\text{ m}$, $12\text{ m} \times 12\text{ m} \times 3\text{ m}$, $15\text{ m} \times 15\text{ m} \times 3\text{ m}$, and $21\text{ m} \times 21\text{ m} \times 3\text{ m}$) depending on landholding size and topography.
- Subsidy: 80% of unit cost for General category farmers; 90% of unit cost for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers.
- Polythene / Tarpaulin Lining:
- Prevents water from seeping into porous soils, ensuring water retention for months after the monsoon subsides.
- Subsidy: Covered up to 80%–90% as per prescribed government rate caps.
- Diesel Pumpsets / Water Lifting Equipment:
- Financial support to purchase 5 HP diesel or electric pump sets to lift water from the pond to fields.
- Subsidy: 50% to 80% of the equipment unit cost.
- Drip & Sprinkler Irrigation Systems:
- Encourages micro-irrigation to maximize water-use efficiency and avoid wasting harvested water.
- Subsidy: Provided in coordination with the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), offering up to 90% support for small and marginal farmers.
- Protective Fencing (Nylon/Chain-link):
- Safety nets or boundary fencing around farm ponds to prevent accidental falls of children or livestock.
Eligibility Criteria
To quality for subsidy distribution under the Krishi Bhagya scheme, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Land Ownership: The farmer must own agricultural land in Karnataka registered in their name (verified via Pahani/RTC).
- Target Districts: Preference is given to rainfed areas in dryland districts (such as Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, Belagavi, Bagalkote, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Ramanagara).
- Water Source: Priority is assigned to lands that lack permanent irrigation infrastructure (such as river canal connections or perennial borewells).
- Aadhaar Seeding: The primary bank account must be mapped to the applicant’s Aadhaar number via National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) mapper for DBT transfers.
- FID Registration: The applicant must possess a valid Farmer Identification Number (FID) generated on the Karnataka Fruits Portal.
Documents Required for Application
Ensure clear scanned copies or physical photocopies of the following documents are ready before beginning the application process:
| Document Type | Requirement / Purpose |
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card (mandatory) |
| Land Record | Latest Land RTC / Pahani (Khata/Survey number details) |
| Bank Account | Passbook copy showing Account Number, IFSC, and Bank Branch (Aadhaar linked) |
| Caste Certificate | Valid SC/ST Certificate issued by Revenue Authority (for 90% subsidy eligibility) |
| Farmer Identification | Fruits Portal FID Number |
| Passport Photos | 2 recent passport-size photographs of the land owner |
| Self-Declaration | Affidavit confirming no prior government subsidy was claimed for the same plot for farm pond construction |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Farmers can submit applications either online through government portals or offline via local agriculture offices.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 1: Obtain / Verify Farmer ID (FID) on Fruits │
└───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────────────▼────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 2: Submit Application on Seva Sindhu / K-Kisan │
└───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────────────▼────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 3: Spot Inspection by Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) │
└───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────────────▼────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 4: Work Order Issued for Pond Excavation │
└───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────────────▼────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 5: Geo-Tagging of Completed Work & Measurement │
└───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────────────▼────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 6: Direct Subsidy Release (DBT) to Bank Account │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Method 1: Online Application via Seva Sindhu / K-Kisan
- Visit Official Portal: Go to the official Seva Sindhu Karnataka Portal or the Karnataka Agriculture Department portal.
- User Login: Log in using your mobile number and OTP. If you do not have an account, complete user registration.
- Select Scheme: Search for “Krishi Bhagya Yojane” or “Application for Farm Pond (Krishi Honda)” under Department of Agriculture services.
- Enter FID Details: Input your Fruits Portal Farmer ID (FID). The system will automatically pull land records and address details associated with your RTC.
- Select Technical Dimensions: Choose the proposed dimensions for the farm pond based on land area and requirement.
- Upload Documents: Attach the scanned copies of your Aadhaar card, RTC, Bank passbook, and Caste certificate.
- Submit & Acknowledge: Review the form, click submit, and save or print the acknowledgment slip containing your application reference number.
Method 2: Offline Application via Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK)
- Visit your local Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) or Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA) office in your taluk.
- Request the physical application form for the Krishi Bhagya Farm Pond Scheme.
- Fill in survey numbers, pond size requirements, and personal details.
- Attach photocopies of your RTC, Aadhaar card, Caste certificate, and bank passbook.
- Submit the application to the Agriculture Officer (AO) and collect a physical seal and signed receipt.
Execution Timelines & Subsidy Disbursement Mechanism
To maintain transparency and prevent delays, the implementation process follows a set schedule:
- Verification & Approval (Days 1–30): Upon application submission, the Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) visits the proposed land site to verify soil suitability, feasibility, and slope directions. Once verified, an official Work Order is issued.
- Construction Phase (Days 31–45): The farmer can proceed with excavation work using machinery or manual labor according to approved structural dimensions.
- Geo-Tagging & Joint Inspection (Days 46–50): Agriculture department officials inspect the completed pond, measure dimensions, verify tarpaulin lining installation, and upload geo-tagged photographs to the departmental software.
- Subsidy Credit via DBT (Days 51–60): After final approval from the District Agriculture Officer, the sanctioned 80% or 90% subsidy amount is credited directly into the farmer’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
Important Guidelines for Applicants
Critical Safety Note:
Constructing a farm pond requires mandatory safety precautions. Farmers receiving subsidy sanctions must install protective nylon netting or chain-link fencing around the perimeter, along with safety ropes or bamboo ladders inside the pond, to eliminate accidental drowning risks for humans and animals.
Important Links & Helpline Support
- Do not begin excavation work before receiving the formal written Work Order from the Agriculture Department; work started prior to official sanction will not be eligible for subsidy reimbursement.
- Ensure your bank account is active and mapped to NPCI for seamless DBT transfer.
- Official Seva Sindhu Portal: sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
- K-Kisan Portal: kkisan.karnataka.gov.in
- Toll-Free Kisan Call Centre / Farmer Helpline: 1800-425-3553
- Department Contact: Visit your local Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) or District Agriculture Office for field support.