Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy today announced a loan waiver scheme for farmers -- a key promise ahead of assembly elections amid farmer suicides and countrywide protests. The waiver, which would cost the state Rs. 34,000 crore, would apply to crop loans of up to Rs. 2 lakh. Besides, arrears will be waived for defaulters so they can get fresh loans. For this, the Chief Minister said, Rs. 6,500 crore has been earmarked in the 2018-2019 budget.