Farm Pond Subsidy under Krishi Bhagya Scheme in Karnataka – Complete Guide for Farmers

Water scarcity has always been a major challenge for farmers who depend mainly on rainfall for cultivation. To reduce crop loss and provide sustainable irrigation facilities, the Government of Karnataka has reintroduced the Krishi Bhagya Scheme, focusing on the construction of farm ponds (Krishi Honda). Through this initiative, farmers are given financial support to build ponds on their farmland with 80% to 90% subsidy.

This article provides complete details about the farm pond subsidy scheme – eligibility, required documents, unit-wise assistance, application process, and post-sanction procedures.

What is the Krishi Bhagya Scheme?

The Krishi Bhagya Yojana was originally introduced a few years ago by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, with the sole aim of supporting rainfed farmers. Due to irregular rainfall, many farmers face crop failure every year. By constructing farm ponds, farmers can store rainwater and use it for irrigation during dry spells.

The scheme was relaunched recently, and selected districts across Karnataka are now implementing it. The government not only supports the construction of farm ponds but also provides subsidies for additional units such as:

• Field bunds (to store water efficiently)
• Polythene lining inside the pond
• Diesel or solar pump sets for water lifting
• Mini irrigation systems like drip irrigation or sprinkler units
• Fencing around the pond

In total, six units are covered under this package.

Farm Pond Sizes Available under Subsidy

Farmers can choose from different standard sizes of farm ponds depending on their land area and requirement. The approved dimensions (in meters) are:

1. 10 x 10 x 3 meters
2. 12 x 12 x 3 meters
3. 15 x 15 x 3 meters
4. 18 x 18 x 3 meters
5. 21 x 21 x 3 meters

This flexibility ensures that both small and marginal farmers can construct ponds as per their landholding capacity.

Subsidy Benefits

The government provides subsidy support on a percentage basis:

• 80% subsidy for farmers belonging to the general category
• 90% subsidy for farmers belonging to SC/ST categories

This means that farmers only need to bear a very small part of the construction cost, making it highly affordable.

Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria

To ensure that the benefits reach genuine farmers, the government has laid down specific eligibility conditions:

1. The applicant must be a resident of Karnataka.
2. The applicant should own agricultural land in their name.
3. Small and marginal farmers are given preference.
4. Farmers who have not availed farm pond subsidy in previous years are eligible.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents while applying for the scheme:

• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Passport size photograph
• Copy of RTC / Pahani / land ownership documents
• Bank passbook copy for subsidy transfer
• Caste and income certificate (if applicable)
• Ration card copy
• Mobile number for updates

How to Apply for Farm Pond Subsidy?

At present, the Krishi Bhagya scheme is implemented in selected districts of Karnataka. Farmers need to apply through the Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) located in their Hobli.

Application process step by step:

1. Visit your nearest Raitha Samparka Kendra (RSK) under the Department of Agriculture.
2. Collect the application form for Krishi Bhagya scheme.
3. Fill in the required details and attach the necessary documents.
4. Submit the form at RSK and obtain an acknowledgment slip.
5. Wait for the field inspection and approval.

Selection and Approval Process

1. After the submission of the application, the field officers will conduct a site inspection of the farmer’s land.
2. If found eligible, the farmer’s details will be uploaded into the K-KISAN software.
3. Within a week, the Work Sanction Order (WSO) will be issued along with the estimated cost of construction.
4. Farmers will also be guided about the Krishi Bhagya package which includes pond construction, lining, fencing, and irrigation units.
5. Based on the flowchart provided in the software, each stage of the implementation will be documented with GPS photos and measurement records.

Post-Sanction Process

• After sanction, farmers need to complete the construction as per approved design.
• The concerned Assistant Agriculture Director and Deputy Agriculture Director will inspect the site after each stage.
• Expenditure will be reimbursed as per the verified records.
• Farmers will receive the subsidy amount directly into their bank account once the process is completed.

Why Farm Ponds are Important?

The benefits of constructing a farm pond go beyond irrigation:

• Water security during dry spells
• Reduced crop loss due to irregular rainfall
• Groundwater recharge
• Option for multi-cropping
• Fodder cultivation during summer
• Increased farm income through better productivity

Thus, farm ponds act as a lifeline for small and marginal farmers.

Key Highlights of Krishi Bhagya Farm Pond Scheme

• Scheme launched by Karnataka Department of Agriculture
• Farm pond construction with 80–90% subsidy
• Additional support for lining, pumps, fencing, irrigation systems
• Eligible for small and marginal farmers only
• Application through Raitha Samparka Kendras
• Transparent approval process through K-KISAN software

Application

Conclusion

The Krishi Bhagya Farm Pond Subsidy Scheme is a golden opportunity for Karnataka’s farmers, especially those dependent on rainfall. By applying for this scheme, farmers can secure their crops against drought, improve irrigation facilities, and increase their income. Since the government is bearing up to 90% of the cost, every eligible farmer should take advantage of this initiative.

For more details and updates, farmers can visit the official Karnataka Agriculture Department website or approach their nearest Raitha Samparka Kendra.