Telangana Invests ₹1.75 Lakh Crore in Farmer Support Over 30 Months

Hyderabad: In a significant announcement on Tuesday, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy disclosed that Telangana has channelled approximately ₹1.75 lakh crore into farmer welfare programmes during the preceding 30 months. The investments span multiple initiatives including investment support, irrigation development, complimentary power supply, procurement of crops, insurance coverage, and various other agriculture-focused schemes.

Speaking at an event held at Shilpakala Vedika where the latest instalment of Rythu Bharosa assistance was unveiled, the Chief Minister informed attendees that the state administration has commenced transferring financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of farmers throughout Telangana.

The Chief Minister emphasised the government's commitment to revitalising agriculture by enabling farmers to engage in cultivation with self-respect and dignity. He underscored that despite facing budgetary challenges, the administration remains steadfast in fulfilling its commitments to the agricultural sector.

Loan Waivers and Investment Assistance

Among the key initiatives, Revanth Reddy highlighted the implementation of a farm loan waiver scheme offering relief up to ₹2 lakh. The programme has extended benefits to 25.35 lakh farmers, with a total of ₹20,677 crore in loans waived. The Chief Minister characterised this as among the nation's most substantial farm loan waiver programmes.

Additionally, the government has raised the annual investment assistance provided through Rythu Bharosa from ₹10,000 to ₹12,000. To date, over ₹27,000 crore has been distributed to farmers under this scheme, with an additional ₹9,000 crore earmarked for disbursement in the current phase.

Revanth Reddy noted that the state has expended approximately ₹30,000 crore over the 30-month period to furnish round-the-clock free electricity to the agricultural sector. The government has also committed substantial resources toward paddy procurement, agricultural insurance through Rythu Bima, incentives for fine paddy cultivation, farm mechanisation initiatives, irrigation infrastructure, and supporting agricultural development.

Land Reforms and Structural Changes

The Chief Minister elaborated on the introduction of the Bhu Bharati system, designed to supersede the existing Dharani framework and provide enduring remedies for land-related complications. He stated that the new system would ensure transparent documentation of land ownership and safeguard the interests of farming communities.

Revanth Reddy further outlined supplementary measures aimed at bolstering women's self-help groups, creating employment opportunities, facilitating youth recruitment into government positions, and sustaining welfare provisions for economically disadvantaged families.

The Chief Minister called upon farmers to embrace agricultural diversification by transitioning to crops with reduced water requirements and greater profit potential. He reassured the farming community that the government would persist in delivering improved seeds, expert advice, market access, and supplementary agricultural support services.

Government Commitment Reaffirmed

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the Congress administration is executing all pledges extended to farmers despite financial constraints. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao outlined the government's objective to enhance farming profitability through Rythu Bharosa, loan forgiveness schemes, crop insurance, procurement mechanisms, agricultural diversification, palm oil cultivation expansion, and technology-enabled fertiliser allocation systems.

Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed that farmer welfare constitutes the administration's foremost objective. He affirmed the government's dedication to sustaining agricultural support schemes, providing free electricity, managing paddy procurement, advancing irrigation infrastructure, and offering financial incentives for fine paddy production.

The gathering included participation from multiple cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, state legislators, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, administrative officials, agricultural representatives, and a substantial number of farming community members.