Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced a series of measures aimed at supporting the farming community ahead of the upcoming local body elections. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Reddy confirmed the extension of the Rythu Bharosa scheme after Sankranti and assured the continuation of a ₹500 bonus per quintal for fine rice varieties in the next cropping season.
He also claimed that the Congress-led government had completed its commitment to the crop loan waiver scheme, stating that loans up to ₹2 lakh, including those of farmers without white ration cards, have been waived.
Rythu Bharosa Modalities Under Review
The Cabinet sub-committee on Rythu Bharosa is expected to submit its recommendations soon. These will be discussed during the next Assembly session, where a detailed plan for implementing the scheme will be outlined. Reddy emphasized that the scheme is part of his government’s commitment to ensuring farmer welfare.
Crop Loan Waiver Completed, Says CM
Countering criticism of delays in crop loan waivers, Reddy accused the previous BRS government of neglecting farmers. He stated that the Congress government had waived crop loans for 25.35 lakh farmers, amounting to ₹21,000 crore.
“The initial estimate of ₹31,000 crore included several long-term loans raised before December 2018. After verification, the actual amount was revised to ₹20,616 crore,” he explained, adding that a few cases were left out due to human errors but would be addressed soon.
Push for Fine Rice Cultivation
Revanth Reddy urged farmers to focus on cultivating fine rice varieties such as Telangana Sona, BPT, and HMT, which are in high demand across the state. “These varieties yield better production and are widely consumed. The government will offer a ₹500 bonus per quintal in the next season,” he assured.
The Chief Minister further announced that the government would purchase the fine rice stock directly and distribute it through ration shops and residential schools for SC, ST, and minority students, instead of supplying it to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Election Strategy in Focus
With these announcements, the Congress government appears to be addressing a key voter base ahead of the local body elections. By combining financial relief with targeted incentives for farmers, the government is positioning itself as a pro-farmer administration, potentially strengthening its electoral prospects.
