CM launches Rythu Bharosa, calls it his 'token of gratitude'

Nellore: Promising to make cultivation a profitable occupation, chief minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy said his government would walk the extra mile to ensure that farmers reap rich dividends.

He said the government has decided to launch YSR Rythu Bharosa eight months ahead of the schedule as a token of their gratitude to the struggling tillers.

He launched YSR Rythu Bharosa in Kakuturu village in the district on Tuesday.

Addressing the gathering at Vikrama Simhapuri University, the chief minister said they have eased several norms in the original scheme to include as many farmers as possible. He said they have identified about 51 lakh farmers beneficiaries under Rythu Bharosa, almost 8 lakh more than the farmers identified through Praja Sadhikara Survey conducted by the previous TDP government.

The government has identified another 3 lakh tenant farmers from SC, ST, BC and minority communities to extend financial assistance, he said. “We are covering nearly 54 lakh farmers under Rythu Bharosa-PM Kisan Yojana. We have extended the deadline to apply till November 15. We will take all measures to see that all the eligible farmers are benefited,” said the chief minister.

Recalling his promise of giving Rs 12,500 ahead of Kharif season as input assistance, Jagan said they have fine-tuned the scheme. The government will give Rs 7,500 every May and Rs 4,000 in October and Rs 2,000 during Sankranti festival.

The chief minister said the government will increase the promised financial assistance by Rs 1,000 to make the total benefit Rs 13,500 per year.

The government has also decided to implement the scheme for all the five years instead of four years as promised in the manifesto. “Now, we are giving Rs 67,500 instead of Rs 50,000 to each farmer over five years,” said the chief minister.

He promised to construct cold-storages in all the mandals, food processing units in all the districts and seed distribution centres in the village secretariats.

The chief minister listed several pro-farmer schemes initiated by his government. He said that they have spared Rs 2,000 crore for market stabilisation fund which would be utilised to extend minimum support price for all crops and Rs 2,164 crore has been allotted for payment of premium for crop insurance covering nearly 56 lakh hectares in the state.

Besides, they have started to supply nine-hour day time power to agriculture sector in 60% feeders and will cover the remaining areas by next July; cleared nearly Rs 960 crore due to farmers on paddy procurement and are also implementing the zero interest scheme for all those farmers who availed loans below Rs Rs 1.5 lakh.

Water resources minister Anil Kumar Yadav, IT minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy, local legislator Kakani Goverdhan Reddy, district collector M V Seshagiri Babu and other public representatives were present at the occasion.