For the first time in history, former CM KCR initiated a novel scheme to extend financial assistance to farmers under Rythu Bandhu. The scheme was later replicated in many states and by the union government.
The motto behind this agricultural investment support scheme is to prevent farmers from running from pillar to post for credit support before the onset of any crop season. However, the Revanth government delaying the disbursal citing trivial reasons kills the spirit of the scheme and renders it useless.
Under Rythu Bandhu, farmers received Rs. 10,000 per acre to cover expenses such as plowing, fertilizers, seeds, and labor, significantly boosting food grain production in the state. Telangana has emerged as a major food supplier in India, thanks to improved irrigation, round-the-clock electricity, and timely support from Rythu Bandhu.
However, the new Congress-led government has introduced a controversial requirement that farmers must prove they’ve planted crops to receive the assistance. This policy places the burden on lower-level officials to verify cultivation, creating opportunities for corruption and inefficiency. Additionally, extending financial support after the farmers plant crops is against the genesis of the scheme.
Farmers in Telangana cultivate a diverse range of crops throughout the year, including grains, commercial crops, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The proposal by Revanth Reddy to impose a cutoff date for assessing crop cultivation is viewed as impractical and detrimental to agricultural practices across the region.