Rythu Bandhu benefitted 59.26 lakh farmers: Niranjan

He stated that observing the important role of agriculture and farmer in our lives, Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao implemented innovative schemes for the sector which in turn was yielding results.

Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy on Tuesday said the State government spent Rs 35,676 crore under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, benefiting over 59.26 lakh farmers over the last three years since its launch. Further, around Rs 2,938.96 crore were spent towards insurance premium amount for implementation of the Rythu Bhima scheme in the State and had set aside Rs 1,200 crore for the 2021-22 financial year.

Speaking on the Agriculture demands during discussion on the State budget in the Assembly here, Niranjan Reddy said Telangana was making rapid strides in the Agriculture sector and setting new benchmarks in agricultural production. He stated that observing the important role of agriculture and farmer in our lives, Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao implemented innovative schemes for the sector which in turn was yielding results. He said besides completing massive irrigation projects like Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme within three years, the State government was implementing schemes like Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bima to instill confidence among farmers. Under Rythu Bhima, about 47,168 families of the deceased farmers received Rs 2,358.15 crore from the Life Insurance Corporation of India.

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“Due to the foresight of the Chief Minister, Telangana registered 20.9 per cent growth rate in agriculture sector which in turn insulated the State economy from the nation-wide economic crisis where the national GDP contracted to eight per cent. Telangana recorded a growth rate of 1.35 per cent despite the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

On the occasion, Niranjan Reddy announced that the one-time picking cotton developed by Prof Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) will be launched in the market benefiting scores of farmers. Telangana stood second in cotton cultivation in the country with 60.54 lakh acres during the ongoing Yasangi season. The State secured top position in the country in paddy cultivation with 52.73 lakh acres. “We also secured top place in crop booking. The Centre is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Yojana based on the crop data provided by the State,” he said.