The Telangana government has taken significant steps to support farmers with various welfare schemes. The highly anticipated Rythu Bharosa scheme, Telangana Rythu Bharosa now 15000 per acer in Farmers Accounts aimed at providing financial aid for crop investment, is set to launch soon, with the first installment expected to be deposited into farmers’ accounts. This initiative promises substantial relief, following the state’s recent debt waiver program that benefited nearly 2.2 million farmers with funds of ₹18,000 crore already allocated, and an additional ₹13,000 crore to be disbursed soon.
Background of the Rythu Bharosa Scheme
The Rythu Bharosa program is a revised version of the former Rythu Bandhu scheme. Under the previous government, the Rythu Bandhu scheme provided ₹10,000 per acre in two installments (Kharif and Rabi seasons) to farmers. The new government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has updated this aid to ₹15,000 per acre, with disbursements in two phases. Unlike its predecessor, which faced criticism for including non-cultivable lands, Rythu Bharosa has been designed with a stricter focus to ensure that only productive, cultivable lands receive the financial assistance.
Government Plans and Timeline
The Telangana government has finalized the timeline for Rythu Bharosa, with plans to begin disbursements by the end of this month and continue into December. Initial funds will be transferred on a per-acre basis, beginning with one-acre plots, with the goal of completing the distribution for all eligible farmers by December’s end. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed the finance department to allocate the necessary funds, ensuring timely support for the state’s farming community.
Key Changes in Eligibility and Allocation
In response to previous challenges and criticisms, the government is taking a more targeted approach with Rythu Bharosa. According to Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageshwar Rao, funds will be allocated exclusively for actively cultivated lands, excluding non-cultivable areas such as hills, barren lands, and real estate properties. This stricter eligibility criterion reflects the government’s intent to ensure that only eligible, productive lands receive the investment aid.
Furthermore, there will be a cap on the number of acres eligible for support. A recent survey conducted across Telangana indicated that farmers generally support limiting investment assistance to a maximum of 10 acres, with some suggesting a cap of 7.5 acres. Based on this input, a draft guideline has been prepared by a cabinet subcommittee to finalize the acreage limit for the Rythu Bharosa program. The draft is set to be discussed in the state assembly to establish a clear and transparent eligibility criterion.
Financial Aid and Opposition Criticism
The initial delay in the program’s rollout has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Many farmers were expecting the scheme to launch earlier, particularly before the monsoon harvest season, when crop investment support is crucial. Due to pending budget allocations for other welfare programs and the recent debt waiver, the program was postponed. In response, the government has developed a robust plan to disburse Rythu Bharosa funds. Every 10 days, approximately ₹1,500 crore to ₹2,000 crore will be deposited into farmers’ accounts, with the goal of disbursing a total of ₹7,000 crore within 45 days.
Farmers’ Anticipation and Program Expectations
The government has held public meetings across various districts to collect feedback and refine the scheme’s implementation process. Many farmers expressed support for a more focused approach, advocating that Rythu Bharosa aid be extended exclusively to actively cultivated lands. Additionally, the government has decided that Rythu Bharosa will not be available to salaried individuals or those paying income tax, reinforcing its commitment to supporting only those whose primary livelihood depends on agriculture.
Conclusion: Strengthening Agricultural Support in Telangana
As the government prepares to roll out Rythu Bharosa, farmers across Telangana can look forward to much-needed financial assistance for their upcoming crop investments. By December, eligible farmers can expect ₹7,500 per acre for the current season as part of the initial distribution, marking the beginning of a comprehensive support system dedicated to strengthening the agricultural sector in Telangana.
This targeted approach ensures that the funds will reach the most deserving farmers, providing critical resources to boost productivity and sustain the agricultural economy in the region. The launch of Rythu Bharosa represents a vital commitment to enhancing farmers’ welfare and addressing past challenges with a more transparent and structured framework.
