Telangana Congress Government Overhauls Rythu Bharosa Scheme for Farmers
In a significant policy shift, the Congress government in Telangana has announced a major revision to the rollout of its flagship farm investment support program, Rythu Bharosa. The new approach ensures that all eligible farmers, regardless of their landholding size, will receive financial assistance for at least one acre of land in the very first phase of disbursement.
Ending the Staggered Payment System
This decision marks a clear departure from the previous system, where only farmers owning one acre or less received payments initially. Under the old structure, those with larger holdings had to wait until the final stages of disbursement, sometimes for nearly three months after the process began. The staggered eight-phase system often faced criticism due to prolonged delays and concerns about the inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries.
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao confirmed the change, stating that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will release the first phase of Rythu Bharosa assistance simultaneously for nearly 70 lakh farmers starting March 22. This unified approach is designed to streamline the process and address previous grievances.
Financial Details and Implementation Timeline
In the initial phase, approximately ₹3,590 crore will be disbursed to beneficiaries across the state. The government has allocated a total of about ₹9,000 crore under Rythu Bharosa to support cultivation across 1.50 crore acres through three phases.
Officials have outlined an accelerated timeline for subsequent payments:
- The second phase, involving ₹2,650 crore, will be released within 20 days of the first disbursement.
- The third and final phase is expected to be completed by the end of April.
This revised system aims to significantly reduce delays and expedite the entire disbursement process, providing timely support to the agricultural community.
Addressing Previous Challenges and Disputes
The previous staggered approach frequently led to disputes in various villages over beneficiary lists, creating pressure from farmer unions on the government to reform the process. By crediting the first installment simultaneously to all eligible farmers for one acre of land, the administration hopes to eliminate these conflicts and ensure more equitable distribution.
According to official estimates, 62.48 lakh farmers in Telangana own up to one acre of land. This category is projected to account for nearly 90% of total beneficiaries under the revised scheme.
Opportunity for New Applicants
Farmers who obtained new pattadar passbooks by February 28 but have not yet availed investment support can apply for Rythu Bharosa by the 25th of this month. Applicants must submit their Aadhaar card, pattadar passbook, and a photocopy of their bank account along with the application form at local Rythu Vedika centers or with agricultural extension officers.
This policy revision represents a substantial effort by the Congress government to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of agricultural support mechanisms in Telangana, potentially setting a new standard for farm welfare programs in the region.
