Hyderabad:
The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has requested Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to make changes to the Rythu Barosa scheme. They suggested limiting the scheme to farmers who own up to five acres of land, and only if the land is being cultivated.
The FGG President, M Padmanabha Reddy, explained that the central government provides Rs 10,000 to farmers with up to five acres of agricultural land. Additionally, the Centre has reduced fertiliser costs by increasing subsidies and introduced the Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance) to protect farmers from natural disasters.
The FGG also highlighted the various benefits farmers currently receive from the Telangana government. These include free electricity for agricultural pump sets, the Rythu Bheema scheme, loan waivers up to Rs two lakh, and bonuses for certain types of paddy crops.
Padmanabha Reddy pointed out an issue with the previous government’s approach. Under the earlier system, Rs 10,000 was given per acre to all landowners, regardless of the size of their holdings or whether the land was under cultivation. This, he said, created a significant financial burden on the State and set a bad precedent. He added that even fallow lands received benefits under Rythu Bandhu based on pattadar passbooks.
