Hyderabad – Agriculture Minister T Nageshwara Rao confirmed that the Telangana government will not provide financial assistance under the Rythu Bharosa scheme for the current Kharif season. The scheme, intended to support farmers, will be implemented only after the Cabinet Sub-Committee submits its recommendations, and the benefits will be available during the Rabi season instead. This news comes as a significant setback to more than 70 lakh farmers in the state, who had been eagerly awaiting the promised funds.
The minister clarified that there was no possibility of releasing Rythu Bharosa funds for the Vanakalam (Kharif) season. The government, however, remains committed to fulfilling the promise of providing Rs 7,500 per acre to farmers in the upcoming Rabi season. Additionally, the subcommittee will make recommendations on extending financial aid to tenant farmers. Minister Rao also stated that the crop insurance scheme will be launched in the next agricultural cycle, and the farm loan waiver scheme will benefit farmers with loans above Rs 2 lakh by the end of this year.
This decision has sparked outrage among farmers, who have been facing financial strain, relying heavily on the timely disbursement of assistance. The delay in the release of funds has left many in a vulnerable position, unable to meet their credit requirements for the ongoing Kharif season. The Rythu Bandhu scheme, which previously provided vital support, is also not being implemented for this season, further intensifying the challenges faced by the farming community.
BRS Leaders Slam Congress Government Over Failed Promises
BRS working president KT Rama Rao voiced strong criticism of the Congress government for failing to deliver on its promises to farmers. He warned of severe political consequences if the Rythu Bharosa funds are not disbursed soon. “If you continue to play with the lives of farmers, you will face the consequences. BRS will stand by the farmers and will not rest until loan waivers and Rythu Bharosa are provided,” KT Rama Rao stated. He accused the government of betraying the farming community and called on them to honor their commitment of Rs 15,000 per acre.
Further criticizing the administration, KT Rama Rao pointed out the stark contrast between the government’s spending priorities. He questioned how the government could allocate Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the Musi beautification project while failing to provide Rs 15,000 to struggling farmers. He emphasized that the current inaction has eroded trust, warning that the farmers would not remain silent in the face of such neglect.
Harish Rao Denounces Government for Ignoring Farmers’ Needs
Senior BRS MLA and former Minister T Harish Rao echoed similar concerns, condemning the Congress government for continuously breaking promises made to farmers. He specifically criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing him of neglecting the needs of the agricultural sector while pushing ahead with grand infrastructure projects like the Musi river beautification.
Harish Rao expressed dismay at the government’s failure to implement crucial support measures, such as the Rs 500 bonus per quintal of paddy and the promised Rs 12,000 for farm laborers. He called on the public to hold the government accountable and said that farmers had been deceived repeatedly with false promises.
The absence of Rythu Bharosa funds for the Kharif season, coupled with delays in other agricultural schemes like loan waivers, has caused widespread frustration among Telangana’s farming community. As the government plans to address these issues in the next Rabi season, the burden on farmers continues to grow, leaving many uncertain about how they will sustain their livelihoods in the coming months.
