YSRCP demands action on dues towards farmers’ support schemes, crop insurance

Former chief minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasised the critical importance of farmers’ welfare for the overall well-being of the state. He urged the government to promptly release the promised funds under investment support schemes, including the Rythu Bharosa amounts, and to ensure that the crop insurance premiums for 2023-24 are paid without further delay.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), YS Jagan expressed concern over the non-payment of the free crop insurance premium for the 2023-24 Kharif season. He warned that this delay poses significant risks to farmers, who depend on this vital support. The former chief minister highlighted the fears among the farming community that the insurance payouts, crucial for financial assistance during crop losses, may not be disbursed on time.
During his previous tenure, YS Jagan noted that the State government consistently paid the Kharif season’s crop insurance premiums in April-May each year. This timely action allowed for compensation to be provided to affected farmers by June, ensuring they could recover and prepare for the next season without financial strain. The state bore the entire cost of the premium, relieving farmers of any financial burden during the sowing period. He added that once the state government paid its share of the premium, the central government promptly released its portion.
YS Jagan pointed out that insurance companies typically disbursed compensation to farmers within thirty days, enabling his administration to support 54.55 lakh farmers, with a total of Rs 7,802 crore disbursed. However, he criticised the current government for failing to pay the premium for the 2023-24 Kharif season due to the election code of conduct. He stated that despite expectations for the newly formed government to address this issue promptly, no action has been taken, leaving farmers and agricultural stakeholders in a state of uncertainty.
Jagan expressed deep concern for farmers, especially as coastal regions face the threat of heavy rains and Rayalaseema risks drought. He warned that the government’s negligence could severely harm farmers already struggling with adverse weather conditions.
He also highlighted that farmers are anxiously awaiting the promised Rs 20,000 annual investment support under the Rythu Bharosa scheme as the Kharif season nears its end. He lamented that no announcements have been made, forcing farmers to seek financial aid from banks and moneylenders, a burden that could have been avoided.
Recalling the previous administration’s efforts, Jagan mentioned that even during the global economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rythu Bharosa scheme served as a lifeline for farmers, with ?34,288 crore disbursed to over 53 lakh farmers. He demanded immediate action from the current government to pay the overdue crop insurance premium and disburse the promised funds under the Rythu Bharosa scheme.