Telangana to release Rs 9,000 crore for farmers’ scheme despite financial crisis

The Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced that the Telangana government is set to disburse Rs 9,000 crore under its Rythu Bharosa scheme in the upcoming nine days. Addressing the Rythu Nestham event at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University on Monday, the Chief Minister reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting farmers despite the current financial difficulties facing the state.

“The government is ready to release Rs 9,000 crore Rythu Bharosa scheme benefit in the farmers’ accounts in nine days. The state will flourish only when the farmer is happy,” the Chief Minister said, indicating that preparations were underway to ensure the funds reach beneficiaries without delay.

The move comes at a time when Telangana is grappling with serious fiscal challenges, which, according to the Chief Minister, stem from the mismanagement of the previous administration. “The state cannot recover from the financial crisis created by the previous government even in the next 100 years,” he said, accusing the former regime of leaving behind an Rs 8.2 lakh crore debt burden.

Revanth Reddy underscored the importance of agriculture to both the economy and governance. “Governments cannot be formed without the support and blessings of the farmers. The role of farmers is crucial to win as MLA, MP and also become Chief Minister of a state,” he said.

Despite inherited financial distress, the Chief Minister said his administration had already spent Rs 1 lakh crore on farmer welfare over the past 18 months. He framed this spending not as a burden, but as a necessary corrective measure. “Against all odds, we are moving forward by taking corrective measures one by one,” he said.

The Rythu Bharosa program is key to these initiatives. Aimed at providing financial assistance to both landowning and landless farmers, the program delivers Rs 12,000 per acre each year, divided into two disbursements of Rs 6,000 per acre for each crop season. It substitutes the previous Rythu Bandhu scheme with a broader reach — incorporating tenant farmers and agricultural workers — while excluding land designated for industrial or real estate uses.

The initiative seeks to lessen farmers’ reliance on private lenders, allowing them to invest in improved seeds, fertilizers, and sustainable methods. The government seeks to enhance rural incomes, guarantee food security, and address the failures of former welfare programs by assisting vulnerable groups and concentrating on agricultural areas.

Revanth Reddy also highlighted agricultural successes under his administration. “Telangana has become the number one state in paddy production in the country. Today, I am seeing happiness in the eyes of every farmer. What more do I want as the Chief Minister of Telangana?” he said.

He attributed this turnaround to the government’s active encouragement of fine variety paddy cultivation, backed by a 500 bonus and procurement assurance. “The People’s Government instilled confidence among the farmers by purchasing every single grain,” he said.

The Chief Minister concluded by asserting the government’s long-term commitment to farmer welfare. “My government will remain for 10 years and we are undeterred by the dharnas held by the opposition parties,” he said, while urging farmers to adopt new agricultural techniques with state support.