Hyderabad: The Congress government in Telangana has marked its first anniversary in office with a significant milestone-spending an impressive Rs 54,280 crore on farmer welfare schemes, according to the state government’s performance report.
As part of its celebrations, the state is hosting the Rythu Vijayotsavalu (Farmers’ Victory celebrations) in Mahbubnagar from November 27 to 30, showcasing its achievements in agriculture and rural development.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will address a massive farmers’ rally on the final day. The performance report highlighted the Congress government’s extensive initiatives, which, it claims, have positioned Telangana as a national leader in paddy cultivation and farmer-centric governance.
Telangana has become a leader in paddy cultivation, with 66.77 lakh acres under cultivation yielding an unprecedented 153 lakh tonnes of paddy. The state’s efficient procurement and bonus schemes have encouraged small-scale paddy cultivation, enhancing both output and farmer income.
The three-day farmers’ festival includes educational programmes under which sessions on modern agricultural practices and profitable farming methods, a farmers’ conclave, which will feature 150 stalls and participation from agricultural scientists, universities, and exemplary farmers.
There will be interactive sessions through the rythu nestham initiative. Video conferencing units have been set up to facilitate direct communication between farmers and officials across 2,601 rythu vedikas.
The state government has taken several measures to boost agricultural productivity, including appointment of 148 agricultural officers and 18 horticulture officers, additional incentives for oil palm farmers, inauguration of a captive power plant, and establishment of an M. Kodanda Reddy-headed agriculture commission to guide policy and development.
In a media statement here on Wednesday, Revanth Reddy reiterated his commitment to make Telangana farmers the national role models and continuing the free electricity initiative of Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
“Our priority is to ensure prosperity and security of farmers,” he said, promising further reforms and support for the agriculture sector.
The government’s performance report revealed the following key expenditures:
Crop loan waiver: Rs 17,869 crore was allocated to waive loans for 22.22 lakh farmer families, ensuring relief from debts up to Rs 2 lakh each.
Free electricity for agriculture: Rs 10,444 crore was spent to provide uninterrupted 24×7 power supply to farmers.
Paddy procurement: Rs 10,547 crore was paid for grain procurement, with payments processed within three days of purchase.
Rythu Bandhu scheme: Rs 7,625 crore was distributed as investment assistance at Rs 5,000 per acre, benefiting over 69 lakh farmers.
Rythu bima (farmers’ insurance): Rs 1,455 crore was spent on premiums to provide Rs 5 lakh insurance cover for families of deceased farmers.
Crop insurance: Rs 1,300 crore was allocated to protect farmers from losses suffered due to natural calamities and pests.
