Shocker for Telangana farmers: No Rythu Bharosa this Kharif season
Report on scheme yet to be received, says Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao
Hyderabad: The State government has indirectly made it clear that the Rythu Bandhu support system for farmers, or its Congress version titled Rythu Bharosa, will not be implemented for the current Kharif season.
This decision comes as a major blow to over 70 lakh farmers who have been eagerly checking their bank accounts daily, expecting the remittance of the input assistance for the Vanakalam (Kharif season). Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao made the announcement on Saturday, though not directly, stating that the Cabinet Sub-Committee report on implementation of Rythu Bharosa scheme was yet to be received.
“Once the report is tabled, the government will consider implementation of Rythu Bharosa from the next Rabi season,” he told reporters, indirectly making it clear that there would be no financial assistance from the government for farmers during the ongoing Kharif season.
The Rythu Bandhu scheme has been a lifeline for farmers, providing much-needed financial assistance for their agricultural investments. The delay in its implementation has already left many farmers in a state of uncertainty and financial strain. And now, the latest development has sparked concerns among the farming community, who are now left to meet their credit needs for the Kharif season without the expected support from the government.
KTR demands immediate disbursement of Rythu Bharosa
BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Saturday warned the ruling party leadership of severe consequences if they fail to deliver the promised Rythu Bharosa assistance. “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 waiver and Rythu Bharosa are provided,” he said.
Calling the move a betrayal of the farmers, he said the Chief Minister who had Rs.1.5 lakh crore for Musi beautification was not able to give Rs.15,000 to farmers. Criticising the Congress government for its inaction and failing to support farmers, he said the government’s delay and excuses had raised suspicions. “Now, Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao has openly admitted their failure. Farmers will not tolerate this betrayal. If you think you can deceive farmers with sub-committees and guidelines, you are mistaken. Farmers will not remain silent,” he said, also
“KCR gave Rs 10,000 per acre, and you promised Rs.15,000. Where is that promise now?” he asked.
Harish condemns betrayal of farmers
Former Minister and senior BRS MLA T Harish Rao came down heavily on the Congress government for repeatedly breaking promises made to farmers, stating that the Agriculture Minister had very calmly and without remorse gave a rude shock to farmers by saying that there would be no financial input assistance for farmers this Kharif season. Also criticising Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s misplaced priorities, he questioned how the Chief Minister was going ahead with the Rs.1.5 lakh crore Musi project without any qualms over denying farmers a mere Rs.15,000 per acre, which he himself had promised during the elections.
The government also faltered in implementing the crop loan waiver and also did not implement the Rs.500 bonus per quintal of paddy apart from forgetting the Rs.12,000 promised to farm workers, thus breaking all promises made to farmers, he said.
“We are calling on everyone to hold the Congress government accountable wherever possible,” he said, adding that Revanth Reddy should be bowing his head in shame for betraying farmers.
