Government Prepares to Launch Rythu Bharosa Scheme for Farmers
The state government is preparing to launch its ambitious new scheme, “Rythu Bharosa,” starting from the Sankranti festival in January. The program aims to support farmers actively engaged in agricultural activities during the upcoming Rabi season.
In the first phase, the scheme is expected to cost the government Rs 7,500 crore. So far, Rs 5,000 crore has been mobilized to ensure the initial payments are ready by Sankranti. However, not all farmers will qualify for the scheme. Eligibility will depend on factors such as income from agriculture, the size of landholdings, the quality of the land, and access to irrigation facilities. Farmers with small landholdings of up to five acres will be prioritized in the initial phase.
Under the earlier “Rythu Bandhu” scheme, there were 64.75 lakh farmers with landholdings of up to five acres. Of these, 24.24 lakh owned less than one acre, 17.72 lakh had two acres, 11.30 lakh cultivated three acres, 6.54 lakh worked on four acres, and 4.92 lakh owned five acres. The government estimates that Rs 8,300 crore will be required to provide the scheme’s benefits of Rs 7,500 per acre.
One significant change in Rythu Bharosa is the focus on active farmers who are directly involved in farming. In the past, even landowners who did not cultivate their land received benefits. This new system seeks to streamline the scheme and ensure that only hardworking, active farmers benefit.
To identify eligible farmers, the State Agriculture Department will conduct a detailed survey during the upcoming farming season. The data collected will help ensure that funds are allocated fairly and efficiently.
Additionally, the government is awaiting recommendations from a Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. Preliminary suggestions indicate that farmers owning more than 10 acres of dryland will likely be excluded from the list of beneficiaries. This move is aimed at focusing resources on smaller-scale, hardworking farmers who need the support the most.
