Introduction to Rythu Bharosa Scheme
The Rythu Bharosa scheme is a crucial initiative aimed at supporting farmers in Telangana. The state government has already deposited ₹1,126.54 crore into the accounts of 17.03 lakh farmers under this scheme. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao announced that the third installment of funds will be released soon. The scheme, which launched on Republic Day, saw its first installment released on January 27, followed by the second installment on Wednesday. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to ensure a smooth and timely fund transfer to farmers.
Funds Distribution Across Districts
According to government data, the funds have been distributed across various districts as follows:
- Nalgonda: 1.55 lakh farmers
- Siddipet: 1.20 lakh farmers
- Medak: 1.15 lakh farmers
- Sangareddy: 1.15 lakh farmers
- Kamareddy: 1.09 lakh farmers
- Khammam: 1.04 lakh farmers
A total of ₹1,126.54 crore has already been credited to farmers’ accounts. The government aims to release the remaining funds at the earliest to ensure continued support for the agricultural community.
Progress in Rythu Bharosa Implementation
Since the launch of the scheme on January 27, a total of 21,45,330 farmers have received financial aid amounting to ₹1,126.54 crore. The government has assured that the remaining eligible farmers will soon receive their dues. Additionally, the state has disbursed:
- ₹7,625 crore under the Rythu Bandhu scheme
- ₹20,616.89 crore for farm loan waivers
- ₹3,000 crore for Rythu Bima (farmer insurance)
The government is committed to ensuring that financial aid reaches farmers on time, supporting their agricultural activities and overall livelihood.
Bonus for Paddy Procurement and Crop Support
The Telangana government has also sanctioned ₹1,154 crore for bonus payments, providing ₹500 per quintal for paddy procurement. This initiative aims to enhance farmers’ earnings and stabilize their financial conditions. Additionally, the state plans to extend similar bonus benefits for the upcoming Yasangi (Rabi) season.
In his statement, Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao reiterated the government’s commitment to farmers, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to provide financial and infrastructural support. The government has also urged the central government to extend the procurement deadline for cotton and set a minimum support price (MSP) for turmeric and chili crops.
Discrepancies in Farmer and Land Records
There have been discrepancies in the government’s data regarding farmer beneficiaries and land area covered. A comparative analysis between the previous monsoon season (Vanakalam) under BRS rule and the current Yasangi (Rabi) season under Congress rule highlights inconsistencies:
- Vanakalam Season (BRS Government – 2023):
- 22,55,181 farmers benefited
- 12,85,147 acres covered
- ₹642.57 crore distributed
- Yasangi Season (Congress Government – 2024):
- 21,45,330 farmers benefited
- 18,77,567 acres covered
- ₹1,126.54 crore distributed
This data shows a reduction of 1,09,851 farmers, while the land covered increased by 5,92,420 acres. These inconsistencies have led to speculation regarding the accuracy of land records and government fund distribution methods.
Survey on Non-Cultivable Land
The current Congress-led government had criticized the previous administration for including rocky terrains, hills, and barren lands in the Rythu Bandhu scheme. A recent survey by the Revenue and Agriculture Departments identified 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh acres of non-cultivable land. However, despite this identification, the total cultivated land reportedly increased by nearly 6 lakh acres, raising questions about data accuracy and government accountability.
Conclusion: The Future of Farmer Welfare in Telangana
The Telangana government remains committed to farmer welfare through initiatives like Rythu Bharosa, Rythu Bandhu, and crop bonus schemes. However, transparency and accuracy in fund distribution and land record maintenance remain crucial. The upcoming release of the third installment under Rythu Bharosa is expected to provide further financial relief to farmers. Meanwhile, addressing discrepancies in land records and ensuring timely disbursements will be key to maintaining trust and effectiveness in these welfare programs.
For the latest updates on Telangana’s farmer welfare schemes, stay tuned!