IT exports from Karnataka set to cross ₹5.5 lakh crore: Priyank Kharge

Karnataka’s IT exports are expected to cross ₹5.50 lakh crore in 2025–26, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge told the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

Responding to a question from Vedavyas Kamath of the BJP, Mr. Kharge said the State’s IT/BT exports were ₹3.55 lakh crore in 2022–23, ₹4.09 lakh crore in 2023–24, and ₹4.58 lakh crore in 2024–25. “I am 100% confident that this year we will cross ₹5.5 lakh crore in exports,” he said.

Of the projected ₹5.5 lakh crore exports, Mysuru contributes around ₹3,000 crore, while Mangaluru and Udupi together contribute around ₹3,500 crore, he said.

GSDP of districts

By contributing 5.4% to the State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP), Dakshina Kannada district ranks second in the State and has the potential to add another 2% to the GSDP, Mr. Kharge said.

Bengaluru Urban district topped the list with a contribution of 39.9% to the GSDP. Kalaburagi and Bengaluru Rural districts contribute 1.9% each to the GSDP, he said while replying to Mr. Kamath’s question on IT services exports and the start-up ecosystem in the coastal region.

Mr. Kharge clarified that he had never said that Mangaluru lacked potential for growth. “The region has huge potential if local leaders create the right climate. We can accelerate the local economy,” he said.

Mr. Kamath said that despite challenges, the coastal region stands next only to Bengaluru in economic contribution and sought the Minister’s response on the relatively low contribution from districts such as Kalaburagi, which have lower GDP levels.

The Minister explained climatic and geographical factors for growth of different sectors in different parts of the State.

Agriculture college

Replying to Kiran Kumar Kodgi of the BJP, Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy said the government would take a decision on upgrading the agriculture diploma college at Brahmavara in Udupi district into an Agricultural Science College based on the recommendations of an expert committee.

The diploma college is attached to the Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga.

V. Sunil Kumar (BJP) said the diploma college already has the required infrastructure such as land and laboratories, and the government only needs to provide faculty to upgrade it into a full-fledged college.