Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada has emerged as the frontrunner in implementing the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) Integrated Farming Clusters (IFCs) initiative in Karnataka, with three clusters already operational and the remaining 27 set to receive machinery within a week.The IFC model aims to raise rural incomes by integrating crop cultivation, livestock rearing and local enterprises. The scheme is funded jointly by the Centre (60%) and the state govt (40%). State programme manager Dr Venkatesh told TOI that Dakshina Kannada stood out among the 454 funded clusters across Karnataka for its proactive implementation. He said some districts were yet to begin operations due to confusion over machinery procurement.“Dakshina Kannada has planned the initiative well and ensured optimum utilisation by adhering to community guidelines. Neighbouring Udupi is also gaining momentum, with two clusters already operational,” he said. According to Dr Venkatesh, the Centre has approved 668 clusters across Karnataka, with each taluk allotted three clusters. Of the Rs 60 lakh sanctioned per taluk, around Rs 20 lakh is earmarked for each cluster. So far, 454 clusters have received funding. Five clusters from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi were highlighted during a recent national review meeting in Delhi.“We aim to make 300-400 clusters operational by September-end and have conducted meetings at taluk and district levels,” he said. Jayaram K.E., Project Director, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, said the district’s progress was driven by close coordination among district and block livelihood teams, gram panchayat staff, self-help groups and community resource persons.“Detailed project reports were submitted in 2025 after identifying women farmers and assessing commercially viable activities in each gram panchayat,” he said. He added that a proposal for Phase-II training funds was sent to the State Mission a month ago. Orientation programmes for SHG members, exposure visits to ICAR and other institutions, identification of livelihood service centres and signing of MoUs have already been completed.Of the 27 approved clusters spread across nine taluks in Dakshina Kannada, 15 have received funding so far, while the remaining clusters are expected to receive funds later this year.Currently operational clusters:1. Sullia-Value added products made of Banana stem and fibre2. Bantwal-Coco Husk shedder and pulveriser3. Puttur Nidpalli cluster- Cow Dung PowderPartially Operational:1. Puttur Narimogaru cluster- Jackfruit value additionIn Tender Process:1. Belthangady-Tender notification is progress2. Mangaluru-Tender Notification by Aug 93. Moodubidire-Tender Expected by Aug 104. Mulki-Tender Expected by Aug 145. Ullal- Tender Expected by Aug 96. Kadaba- Machine yet to be procuredOut of the 15 sanctioned, 3 are working, 9 initiated and three are expected to be completed by Aug end.
