Telangana Plans to Credit ₹9,000 Crore to Farmers for Kharif Season Amid Fiscal Constraints

The Telangana government has intensified efforts to mobilise finances for the forthcoming vanakaalam (kharif) instalment of the Rythu Bharosa farmers’ investment support scheme. Although the exact schedule is yet to be finalised, sources indicate that the amount is tentatively planned to be credited into the accounts of more than 67 lakh farmers from the last week of June.

Under the scheme, each eligible farmer receives ₹6,000 per acre as input assistance. The payment this season is expected to cover around 1.35 crore acres, marginally lower than the total cultivated area of over 1.4 crore acres. A government survey conducted during the previous cropping season identified more than five lakh acres for which Rythu Bharosa was paid earlier but were not under active cultivation. This verification exercise aims to ensure that benefits reach only genuine farming households.

The timing of this disbursement is significant after the state administration drew criticism from opposition parties and farmer unions for delays in crediting the rabi (yasangi) instalment earlier this year. In response, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and senior officials, held a meeting on Tuesday. They resolved to complete the transfer of funds, totalling approximately ₹9,000 crore, within 10 days of the process beginning.

However, the government faces financial constraints. Revenue receipts during the first two months of the current fiscal year have reportedly fallen short of targets. As per the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the state’s revenue receipts in April stood at ₹22,392 crore—comprising ₹10,974 crore from revenue sources and ₹11,417 crore through borrowings and other liabilities. Expenditure remained high, driven by interest payments of ₹2,350 crore, salaries and wages of ₹4,449 crore, pensions of ₹1,893 crore, and subsidies (primarily for free power supply to the farm sector) amounting to ₹4,727 crore.

Given the tight fiscal position, the government is likely to resort to market borrowings in the coming weeks to secure the necessary resources. Officials are exploring various options, including raising loans from banks and financial institutions. Despite the challenges, the administration remains committed to delivering the kharif assistance on time to avoid a repeat of the rabi season delays.

The Rythu Bharosa scheme is a flagship programme of the Telangana government, providing direct financial support to farmers for purchasing seeds, fertilisers, and other inputs. Its timely implementation is critical for the kharif season, which begins with the onset of the southwest monsoon. The scheme not only aids agricultural productivity but also carries significant political weight, as it directly affects the livelihoods of millions of farming families across the state.

With the monsoon progressing, farmers are preparing their fields for sowing. A delay in financial assistance could hamper their ability to invest in quality inputs, potentially impacting crop yields. The government’s proactive stance, including the acreage verification and resolve to tap borrowings, reflects the urgency of the situation. Further details on the exact schedule and financing mechanism are expected to be announced in the coming days.