Telangana to release Rs 9,000 crore for farmers' scheme despite financial crisis

India Today

4 hours ago

The Telangana government is preparing to release Rs 9,000 crore under its Rythu Bharosa scheme within the next nine days, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced. Speaking at the Rythu Nestham programme held at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University on Monday, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government's commitment to farmer welfare despite the state's ongoing financial crisis.'The government is ready to release Rs 9,000 crore Rythu Bharosa scheme benefit in the farmers' accounts in nine days. The state will flourish only when the farmer is happy,' the Chief Minister said, indicating that preparations were underway to ensure the funds reach beneficiaries without delay.advertisementThe move comes at a time when Telangana is grappling with serious fiscal challenges, which, according to the Chief Minister, stem from the mismanagement of the previous administration. 'The state cannot recover from the financial crisis created by the previous government even in the next 100 years,' he said, accusing the former regime of leaving behind an Rs 8.2 lakh crore debt burden.
Revanth Reddy underscored the importance of agriculture to both the economy and governance. 'Governments cannot be formed without the support and blessings of the farmers. The role of farmers is crucial to win as MLA, MP and also become Chief Minister of a state,' he said.Despite inherited financial distress, the Chief Minister said his administration had already spent Rs 1 lakh crore on farmer welfare over the past 18 months. He framed this spending not as a burden, but as a necessary corrective measure. 'Against all odds, we are moving forward by taking corrective measures one by one,' he said.advertisementThe Rythu Bharosa scheme is central to these efforts. Designed to offer financial relief to both land-owning and landless farmers, the scheme provides Rs 12,000 per acre annually, split into two payments of Rs 6,000 per acre per crop season. It replaces the earlier Rythu Bandhu scheme with an expanded scope — including tenant farmers and agricultural labourers — and excludes land used for industrial or real estate purposes.The program aims to reduce farmers' dependency on private moneylenders, enabling them to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and sustainable practices. By extending support to vulnerable sections and focusing on cultivated lands, the government aims to boost rural incomes, ensure food security, and correct the shortcomings of past welfare initiatives.Revanth Reddy also highlighted agricultural successes under his administration. 'Telangana has become the number one state in paddy production in the country. Today, I am seeing happiness in the eyes of every farmer. What more do I want as the Chief Minister of Telangana?' he said.He attributed this turnaround to the government's active encouragement of fine variety paddy cultivation, backed by a 500 bonus and procurement assurance. 'The People's Government instilled confidence among the farmers by purchasing every single grain,' he said.The Chief Minister concluded by asserting the government's long-term commitment to farmer welfare. 'My government will remain for 10 years and we are undeterred by the dharnas held by the opposition parties,' he said, while urging farmers to adopt new agricultural techniques with state support.Trending Reel