Uncertainity continues over Rythu Bharosa in absence of fresh guidelines

Though the State government appointed a three-member Cabinet sub-committee to look into the issues and submit its report, none is aware of its fate.

Hyderabad: Farmers in Telangana are grappling with uncertainty as the Congress-led government continues to delay the promised financial support under the Rythu Bharosa scheme. The government, which had pledged Rs.15,000 per acre per annum as farm investment support if it came to power is yet to deliver on its promise. Many farmers, already frustrated by incomplete loan waivers, are skeptical about whether the Rythu Bharosa funds will materialise in the absence of guidelines for its implementation.

Though the State government appointed a three-member Cabinet sub-committee to look into the issues and submit its report, none is aware of its fate. The Cabinet sub-committee held around four to five consultations with some stakeholders including farmers during July-August, but the report neither reached the State Cabinet for approval nor was discussed in the Assembly as promised for its launch.

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Citing absence of guidelines and other technicalities, the State government provided only Rs.5,000 per acre for the previous Yasangi (Rabi season) rather than the promised Rs.7,500 per acre. Further, the amount was released only at the fag end of the season. For the current Vanakalam (Kharif) season which concludes by this month end, the government has kept postponing the disbursement throughout the season.

Now, fresh reports suggest that the State government might disburse Rythu Bharosa amount for the two crop seasons of Vanakalam and Yasangi by Dasara, raising hopes for timely support. However, there has been no official announcement in this regard, indicating no immediate relief.

“If not two, at least one crop payment should be released to help farmers to aid the upcoming Yasangi sowing period. Many farmers struggled due to lack of support in July for this Vanakalam season,” farmers appealed.

However, concerns remain over the scheme’s implementation guidelines, particularly for large farmers. There are fears that only those with less than 10 acres may be eligible, leaving larger landholders without support. Additionally, government employees might be excluded.

With regard to the tenant farmers who were also promised Rs.15,000 per acre per annum, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao already indicated that both the land owner and tenant farmer should reach an understanding in this regard. For the amount to be credited to tenant farmer’s account, the State government is likely to ask them to submit their lease agreement in this regard, raising curtains for more complexities.

The fate of agricultural labourers for whom the Congress promised Rs.12,000 per annum also remains uncertain, with no official statement in this regard. However, sources indicate that the Congress government already sought the Centre to link the MGNREGS with agriculture, and plans to make it as part of the Rythu Bharosa assurance, if approved.

Agriculture officials are yet to receive official guidelines, with clarity expected by the end of the month. Farmers are anxiously awaiting news, hoping the government will fulfill its promises and provide much-needed relief ahead of the crucial Yasangi season.