The Telangana government has decided to continue the Rythu Bima scheme for the 2025-2026 period. Farmers had until August 12 to submit new applications. The authorities are now gathering data on new applicants and adjusting the rules.
The Rythu Bima scheme offers financial aid to families of farmers who pass away suddenly. The previous policy expired on August 13.
Officials reported that over 200,000 new applications were submitted, though some were rejected for various reasons. If approved, around 4.8 million farmers, including new applicants, will receive a Rs 5 lakh life insurance cover. Eligibility requires farmers to have registered their lands in Bhu Bharati and CCLA.
M Raghunandan Rao, the Agriculture Department Secretary, instructed officials to accept applications only from farmers owning up to 5 acres of land. This insurance scheme is specifically for these landowners.
Agriculture Officers conducted field checks to verify new beneficiaries. Existing beneficiaries must renew their applications, which are being uploaded to the Rythu Bima portal.
Authorities are cross-checking land records in Bhu Bharathi and CCLA to ensure only registered farmers benefit. New guidelines specify that farmers with lands in multiple villages can have just one policy for the whole family.
The Agriculture Department faces challenges for the upcoming year. It has requested funds from the finance wing to pay the premium to the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in one lump sum. The LIC has declined installment payments due to financial difficulties.
This year, the scheme needs about Rs 1,500 crore, an increase from last year’s Rs 1,477 crore for 4.1 million farmers. Officials insist that the Finance Department must allocate the full Rs 1,500 crore in one go to ensure farmers receive the scheme’s benefits without any issues.
