Mon Dec 16 09:50:04 UTC 2024: ## Telangana Farmers Struggle as Rythu Bharosa Funds Delayed
**Nirmal, December 13:** Farmers in Telangana’s Nirmal district are facing severe financial hardship due to the delayed disbursement of Rythu Bharosa funds, the state government’s promised agricultural investment assistance program. The timely and consistent provision of Rythu Bandhu funds under the previous BRS government is being starkly contrasted with the current situation.
Under the previous BRS government’s Rythu Bandhu scheme, farmers received ₹10,000 per acre for each season (Kharif and Rabi), enabling them to cultivate their crops without significant financial strain. However, since the Congress government assumed power, the situation has dramatically reversed. The non-payment of promised funds is forcing farmers to rely on high-interest loans from private moneylenders.
The Congress government’s replacement scheme, Rythu Bharosa, which promised ₹15,000 per acre annually, has yet to be fully implemented, despite assurances it would be rolled out by December 9, 2023. The delay extends to the unpaid Kharif season funds, totaling ₹228 crore for 188,317 farmers in Nirmal district alone. Farmers are expressing deep frustration and regretting the absence of the prompt financial aid they received under the BRS government’s Rythu Bandhu.
While the district is preparing for the Rabi season, with an estimated 300,000 acres to be cultivated, the lack of funds is hindering farmers’ ability to purchase seeds and fertilizers, despite adequate supplies being available. Concerns are rife that the Rythu Bharosa funds for the Rabi season may also be delayed or significantly reduced. The government’s justification for the delay, including the formation of a ministerial sub-committee, is viewed with skepticism by the distressed farmers. The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for the government to release the promised funds to prevent further hardship among the farming community.
First Piper 