1,46,324 tenant farmers, including those from SC, ST, BC and Minorities to benefit
PNS|Vijayawada
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy released Rs 120.75 crore for the YSR Rythu Bharosa-PM Kisan scheme for the fiscal year 2023-24. This financial allocation is set to benefit 1,46,324 tenant farmers, including those from SCs, STs, BCs, and minority communities, with Rs 109.74 crore dedicated to the Rythu Bharosa programme and an additional Rs 11.01 crore allocated for input subsidies. The funds will be directly deposited into the respective beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
During the event held at the Camp Office, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy highlighted the uniqueness of the Rythu Bharosa scheme, emphasising its inclusivity by extending financial support to tenant farmers holding CCRC cards, including those cultivating endowment lands and RoFR patta lands. Notably, a significant percentage of farmers in the State own less than half a hectare of agricultural land, making this scheme particularly beneficial to the majority of farmers.
He asserted that no other State in India is implementing a similar programme.
Under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs 13,500 annually, distributed in three instalments of Rs 7,500, Rs 4,000, and Rs 2,000, respectively. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy commended the government’s farmer-friendly approach, highlighting that it has disbursed a total of Rs 31,005 crore to benefit 52,57,263 farmers over the past 50 months, with an additional Rs 3,943 crore allocated in the current year under the scheme.
To date, 5.38 lakh SC, ST, BC, and minority tenant farmers, including those cultivating endowment lands, along with 3.99 lakh RoFR farmers, have received benefits totaling Rs 1,122 crore through the Rythu Bharosa Karyashala (RBK) system. This initiative, staffed by agricultural graduates and supported by village secretariat staff, provides essential support to farmers through e-cropping facilities and intervention when required to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various agricultural produce.
Highlighting the transformative changes in the agricultural sector, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy mentioned the government’s initiatives such as the free insurance scheme, uninterrupted power supply, timely payment of input subsidies, and assistance in the supply of gunny bags, all of which have significantly uplifted farmers’ morale. He also noted that the entry of Amul has led to increased milk prices, benefiting dairy farmers due to healthy competition.
During the event, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy interacted with some beneficiaries virtually. Responding to farmers’ requests for insurance coverage for mango crops, he expressed his intention to explore possibilities, despite the challenges posed by insurance companies regarding mango crop insurance.
Agriculture Minister K Govardhan Reddy, Animal Husbandry Minister Dr. S Appala Raju, Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy, and other senior officials were present.
