The Telangana government is considering a significant change to its Rythu Bharosa scheme, which provides investment support to farmers.
Rythu Bharosa Scheme: Proposed Changes
The government is now contemplating a one-time direct transfer of ₹12,000 per acre to farmers, a shift from the previously considered two installments of ₹6,000 each. This move is expected to provide substantial relief to farmers. However, given the state’s current financial situation, mobilizing this large sum presents a considerable financial challenge. An official announcement on this matter is still pending.
Investment Support Release Plans
The government plans to disburse investment support to farmers under the Rythu Bharosa scheme by the third week of June. They are closely examining the feasibility of releasing funds in a single installment this time. A one-time deposit of ₹12,000 would allow farmers to commence cultivation activities without immediate financial hurdles, offering them significant financial security.
Current Status of Rythu Bharosa Aid
Currently, Rythu Bharosa assistance has been released in installments since January 2025. Initially, farmers with less than one acre of land received aid, followed by those with two, three, and four acres. Aid for farmers with more than four acres is still pending. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has stated that this assistance will be released soon, with the funds likely to be credited to their accounts by the first week of June.
If another round of Rythu Bharosa funds is released shortly after, farmers will benefit significantly. It appears the government is now aiming to release Rythu Bharosa funds in a single installment going forward.
Financial Burden and Government Challenges
It’s estimated that approximately 70 lakh farmers in Telangana will benefit from Rythu Bharosa. If the assistance of ₹12,000 per acre is released in a single installment, the government would require over ₹15,000 crore. Given the current state of the economy, mobilizing such a massive amount at once is a significant challenge for the government. The government is extensively deliberating on aspects related to fund mobilization.
Government Support for Farmers Amidst Crop Loss
The Telangana government has also provided support to farmers who suffered crop losses due to recent unseasonal rains. Assistance of ₹10,000 per acre was provided to 41,000 farmers, totaling over ₹51 crore. This aid has reached farmers in 28 districts across the state. Furthermore, the government has assured farmers that it will purchase paddy that was drenched by the rains.
The Agriculture Minister urged farmers not to lose heart, assuring them of full government support. These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to farmer welfare. The government is also exploring plans to offer low-interest loans to farmers in the future.