The Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Empowering Telangana Farmers for Prosperity
In a remarkable stride towards supporting its agricultural community, the Telangana government initiated the disbursement of Rs.7,720.29 crore to approximately 70 lakh farmers under the 11th installment of the Rythu Bandhu scheme on June 26, 2023. This year’s scheme expansion saw the inclusion of 5 lakh new farmers’ accounts, with a special focus on 1.5 lakh Podu farmers who own around four lakh acres of Podu lands.
List of crops covered under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme
- Paddy
- Soybean
- Peas
- Cotton
- Pepper
- Phosphorus
- Corns
- Sugarcane
- Such other crops
How to apply for the Rythu Bandhu Scheme?
All farmers who own land can apply for this scheme by contacting the Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) or local agriculture officers and giving them their bank account details.
Documents required for Rythu Bandhu Scheme
- Aadhaar card
- Land ownership papers
- Pan card
- Voter ID
- Address proof
- Bank account details
- BPL certificate (if applicable)
- Caste certificate
Unveiling the Rythu Bandhu Scheme
The Rythu Bandhu Scheme, also known as the Agriculture Investment Support Scheme, was introduced by the Telangana government’s Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department. This visionary initiative aimed to amplify agricultural productivity and income for the state’s farmers. Launched during the 2018-19 Kharif season, the scheme’s primary objective was to provide essential initial investment funds for all farmers.
A Unique Approach to Farmer Support
Diverging from conventional Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), the Rythu Bandhu Scheme provides cheque payments to farmers based on their landholdings. This approach was adopted to prevent banks from using DBT funds to settle farmers’ outstanding dues. Acting as the nodal agency, the Agriculture Department of the State Government spearheads the scheme’s implementation, with agricultural officers at sub-district levels overseeing its execution. Both private and public sector banks, along with cooperative banks, play a proactive role in disbursing cash benefits, making them integral stakeholders.
Objectives of the Rythu Bandhu Scheme
The Rythu Bandhu Scheme has a dual-fold objective:
1. Timely Cash Grants for Initial Investment Needs
The scheme aims to provide timely cash grants that cater to the initial investment needs of farmers. This financial infusion enables them to procure essentials like fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and undertake field preparation without succumbing to financial strain.
2. Safeguarding Farmers from Debt Traps
Another crucial goal of the Rythu Bandhu Scheme is to shield farmers from falling into debt traps. By extending financial support, the scheme contributes to ensuring the financial stability of farmers, allowing them to operate without being burdened by debts.
Eligibility Criteria for the Rythu Bandhu Scheme
For farmers to avail the benefits of the scheme, they need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria:
- Residency: Farmers must be residents of Telangana state.
- Land Ownership: Farmers must possess agricultural land.
- Inclusivity: The scheme extends to all farmers, encompassing small and marginal farmers, as well as those cultivating land in forests with a valid Record of Forest Rights (ROFR) document.
- Exclusions: Commercial farmers, along with those under rental contracts or tenancy arrangements, are not eligible for the scheme.
Financial Assistance Under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme
Under the scheme’s provisions, each Telangana farmer is entitled to receive Rs.10,000 per acre annually. This sum is disbursed in two installments – Rs.5,000 per acre for both Rabi and Kharif seasons. This financial benefit is not constrained by the number of acres owned, translating to Rs.5,000 for every acre in a farmer’s possession during each crop season.
Encompassing Crops and Application Process
The Rythu Bandhu Scheme supports a range of crops, including Paddy, Soybean, Peas, Cotton, Pepper, Phosphorus, Corns, Sugarcane, and other similar crops. Farmers keen on enrolling for the scheme need to approach the Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) or local agricultural officers and furnish their bank account details, along with essential documents like Aadhaar card, land ownership papers, PAN card, Voter ID, address proof, bank account details, BPL certificate (if applicable), and caste certificate.
Tracking Scheme Status and Implementation
To ascertain the status of their Rythu Bandhu Scheme disbursement, farmers can follow these steps:
- Visit the official Rythu Bandhu website.
- Navigate to the ‘Cheque Distribution Venue Schedule’ option.
- Choose the District and Mandal from the drop-down menu to access the distribution venue details.
Strengthening the Scheme’s Foundation
Prior to implementing the Rythu Bandhu Scheme, the government undertook the Land Record Upgradation Programme (LRUP). This initiative aimed to consolidate and update agricultural land ownership information. The Revenue Department meticulously examined and refreshed land-holding records in Telangana state in accordance with the LRUP. Based on these records, eligible farmers received Pattadar passbooks, affirming their land ownership status.
A Growing Initiative
Initially targeting 72 lakh eligible farmers, the scheme’s ambit expanded to accommodate additional beneficiaries. Approximately 55% of Telangana’s population depends on agriculture, covering around 1.42 crore acres across 31 districts. To ensure compliance, agriculture extension officers and village revenue officers verify whether beneficiaries have sown the crops for which they received scheme funds. Additionally, farmers receive newly updated Pattadar Dharani passbooks with enhanced security features, strengthening land ownership details.
Impressive Contributions and Benefits
With the completion of the 11th installment, the Telangana government’s total contribution to the Rythu Bandhu scheme surpassed Rs.72,910 crore. This initiative significantly aids farmers by providing Rs.5,000 per acre every season through cheques. This amounts to Rs.10,000 annually per eligible farmer, easing the purchase of agricultural essentials like chemicals, seeds, and fertilizers. Furthermore, the scheme’s financial assistance aids in debt reduction over several years, culminating in financial liberation for farmers.
Holistic Approach and Helpline
The Rythu Bandhu Scheme encompasses more than just financial aid. The government also provides additional benefits such as free pesticides and insecticides, fostering an environment for farmers to prosper. To address queries and concerns, a dedicated helpline is available – Rythu Bandhu Scheme helpline number: 040 2338 3520.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the amount of Rythu Bandhu in 2023? The government will provide Rs.5,000 per acre each season to all eligible farmers in the state in 2023. On June 26, 2023, the government distributed the first installment of Rs.5,000 to around 70 lakh farmers.
2. How to check the Rythu Bandhu Scheme status? Farmers can check the Rythu Bandhu Scheme status through the official Rythu Bandhu website by clicking on the ‘Cheque Distribution Venue Schedule’ option and entering the required details.
3. Who is eligible for Rythu Bandhu Scheme? All farmers residing in Telangana state and owning lands are eligible for this scheme. However, commercial farmers and tenant farmers are not eligible under this scheme.
4. What is the age limit for Rythu Bandhu? There is no age limit for the Rythu Bandhu scheme. All farmers owning lands are eligible under this scheme.