Telangana Government’s Rythu Bharosa Scheme to Provide Financial Aid to Farmers from July 2024, rejoice! The state government recently released financial assistance under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, providing much-needed support for agricultural expenses.
Expanding the Reach of Rythu Bharosa
Previously, the Rythu Bharosa scheme benefited only those cultivating less than 5 acres of land. In a welcome move, the current Telangana government has extended the scheme’s reach to encompass farmers with holdings exceeding 5 acres.
This initiative builds upon the foundation laid by the previous government’s Rythu Bhandhu scheme. While Rythu Bharosa continues the core benefits, it expands them to a wider range of farmers.
Benefits for Telangana’s Farmers
The release of over ₹2,000 crores signifies the Telangana government’s commitment to farmer welfare. This financial aid will significantly benefit numerous beneficiaries enrolled under the Rythu Bharosa scheme.
Seamless Transfer for Existing Beneficiaries
Farmers who previously received benefits under Rythu Bhandhu don’t need to re-register for Rythu Bharosa. The government has automatically included them as beneficiaries in the new scheme.
Verifying Rythu Bharosa Funds
Farmers can check their registered bank accounts to confirm if the Rythu Bharosa funds have been deposited. It’s important to note that the transfer might take some time to reflect in all accounts.
In case of delays or difficulties accessing the funds, farmers are advised to check their account statements regularly and reach out to the Rythu Bharosa support team on the official website for assistance.
State Agriculture, Marketing, and Cooperation Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao emphasized that the government remains committed to its election promises. Speaking about the Raithu Bharosa program, Rao assured that from the upcoming monsoon season, every farmer engaged in cultivation will receive financial assistance of Rs. 7500 per acre starting in July.
Eligibility and Assurance for Farmers
Only farmers who are actively cultivating their land will receive this aid. Additionally, tenant farmers will need to provide affidavits to qualify for this support. By August 15, the government plans to waive Rs. 2 lakh in agricultural loans for farmers, ensuring small and marginal farmers do not have to rely on moneylenders. Rao also pledged timely provision of quality seeds and fertilizers.
Market Price and Crop Insurance Initiatives
Rao assured that regardless of the central government’s stance, state actions would ensure farmers get remunerative prices for their crops. The government will also fully pay the premium for crop insurance starting this monsoon season to assist farmers in case of crop failures due to adverse weather conditions.
Focus on Agricultural Welfare Over the Last Five Months
Over the past five months, the administration has focused intensely on implementing farmer welfare schemes, conducting daily reviews and issuing prompt instructions. They have undertaken purchases of rice and other crops at support prices and provided aid within two months to those who suffered losses due to rains.
Current Agricultural Scenario and Government Actions
When the current administration took over, the monsoon crop had ended, and the Rabi season had begun. Major reservoirs like Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam were dry, and the previous government had failed to supply water for the Kharif season. Despite these challenges, the government purchased electricity to save crops, even where groundwater levels were low.
Implementing Election Promises for Farmers
The Congress party, driven by a commitment to develop agriculture, has made significant promises in its election manifesto. However, fulfilling these promises requires substantial funds. For instance, waiving Rs. 2 lakh in loans necessitates over Rs. 40,000 crore. Despite declining state revenues, the government remains determined to implement these promises, focusing on Raithu Bharosa and crop insurance policies.
Loan Waiver by Independence Day
Chief Minister Revanth has promised a loan waiver by August 15. The previous administration only waived loans up to Rs. 1 lakh. The current government is determined to waive Rs. 2 lakh in one go, establishing a special corporation to raise the necessary funds. Banks have been instructed to provide accurate statistics on loans taken by farmers up to Rs. 2 lakh. A final decision will be made post-election code period.
Expanding Farmer Benefits and Support Programs
The Raithu Bandhu scheme, initially aimed at farmers with up to five acres, will continue, but suggestions to expand Raithu Bharosa to all farmers are under consideration. The Chief Minister has indicated that the existing Raithu Bandhu program will remain unchanged, while potential changes to Raithu Bharosa will be decided by the cabinet, ensuring the support reaches those in real need.
Guidelines for Crop Insurance Implementation
The new crop insurance scheme will cover losses due to unseasonal rains, floods, other natural calamities, pests, and drought. The scheme aims to assist farmers even if crop yields fall or they are unable to sow. The government is prepared to spend Rs. 3500 crore on this scheme, ensuring policies benefit farmers rather than insurance companies. Companies agreeing to the government’s conditions will be selected to implement the program.
Bonus for Fine Rice Varieties
Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao explained the rationale behind providing bonuses only for fine rice varieties and not for coarse varieties. Chief Minister Revanth is planning to produce fine rice in the state and distribute it to the poor through ration shops. This initiative requires increasing the production of fine rice, which has higher investment costs and lower yields. Consequently, farmers have been reluctant to cultivate it, opting instead for high-yield coarse varieties. To encourage the cultivation of fine rice, a bonus was announced primarily for these varieties, with the possibility of extending it to coarse rice if necessary.
Preparedness for the Monsoon Season
The state is fully prepared for the upcoming monsoon season, aiming to ensure prosperous agriculture. The meteorological department has forecasted good rains, alleviating concerns about water shortages. Adequate stocks of seeds and fertilizers are in place to support the farming community.
Diversification of Crops
Addressing concerns about the state’s lag in crop diversification, Rao highlighted the demand for oil palm, pulses, and vegetables. The government aims to expand oil palm cultivation by one lakh acres annually. Officials have been instructed to promote alternative crops in areas unsuitable for rice cultivation.
Control of Fake Seeds
The minister acknowledged the ongoing issue of fake seeds and detailed the government’s stringent measures to curb this menace. Daily raids and inspections are being conducted, with licenses of those selling fake seeds being revoked and criminal cases filed against them. The government is also employing the Preventive Detention Act to tackle this problem. Collaborative efforts with police and task forces are underway to control the influx of fake seeds from other states. Farmers are advised to purchase seeds from authorized dealers and retain bills to claim compensation in case of crop failure. Efforts are being made to ensure the availability of seeds in districts based on demand, and an online reporting system has been established for monitoring seed sales. The licensing system for seed sales will undergo changes to prevent the spread of counterfeit seeds.
Implementation of Raithu Bharosa from Monsoon Season
Rao confirmed that the Raithu Bandhu scheme was continued by the current government and that the Raithu Bharosa program will be implemented from the upcoming monsoon season. This program will provide support only to those who have actually cultivated crops. Following the conclusion of the election code in June, the government will seek opinions from all parties, farmers, and farmers’ associations before finalizing the details in the legislative assembly and cabinet.
Support for Tenant Farmers and Agricultural Laborers
Rao reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting tenant farmers and agricultural laborers. Raithu Bharosa will be extended to tenant farmers who cultivate crops, provided they submit affidavits from the landowners. The identification of agricultural laborers has been delegated to the Panchayati Raj department, ensuring comprehensive support for all stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What is the Rythu Bharosa scheme?
The Rythu Bharosa scheme is a Telangana government initiative that provides financial assistance to farmers to cover agricultural expenses.
- Am I eligible for the Rythu Bharosa scheme?
Farmers cultivating land in Telangana are potentially eligible. The scheme now covers holdings exceeding 5 acres, alongside smaller landholdings.
- How can I check if I have received the Rythu Bharosa funds?
Farmers can verify their registered bank accounts to confirm if the funds have been deposited.
