The Telangana Chief Minister, K. Chandrasekhar Rao, announced a supply of fertilizers, free of cost, to the 55 lakh-odd farmers in the State, from the next financial year.
The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Government, which waived the Rs 17,000 crore loan of farmers, a few couple of days back, said the Government will deposit the money directly into the bank accounts of the farmers, before the Kharif season in May-end. Estimating that a farmer requires 4,000 per acre on fertilizers or urea, the Government, henceforth, will transfer 4,000 per acre into the bank accounts of the farmers, based on the extent of land that they possess. The State consumes about 26 lakh tonnes of fertilizers.
Mr Rao said, patting himself on the back, “This is unprecedented scheme for farmers and first of its kind in India. Looks like I am born to create history.” “Farmers have to be supported and I will do it since I am a Rythu bidda (farmer). Government will deposit the fertilizer cost which comes to about Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500 per acre, into bank accounts of farmers, to avoid pairavikars and corruption,” added the Minister.
Rao further said, that the new scheme would place a burden on the state exchequer, anywhere between Rs 6,000 and 7,000 crore, annually.
During the announcement, Agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy was also present. The Government has decided to implement crop colonies in the State, to ensure farmers grow suitable crops in their fields, depending on the local climate conditions and soil, so that they can get remunerative prices for their produce. Each pattadar will be given a card, listing out suitable crops, added KCR.
KCR further advised the farmers to organize themselves into Grama Rythu Sangam. The Rythu Sangam, will be responsible for data collection of land holdings, of every farmer in the village, observe implementation of Government schemes and make sure they get the benefits, and communicate with farm related officials. However, KCR, suggested the farmers, that they should purchase pesticides and seeds, given on subsidy.
“This idea of supplying free fertilizers struck into my mind, after the Central Statistics Office (CSO) of Agriculture, a farmer, kept on telling me, that I should do something for farmers since they are always on the receiving end, falling into debt trap, and do not get remuneration.”
Under this scheme, every farmer will get Rs 4,000 per acre and a farmer with five acres will get Rs 20,000, which is a fairly good amount,” said KCR. Bangaru Telangana requires concrete measures and not dialogue, he said. He wants to keep away from chillara (cheap) politics involved in by the Opposition, which is worried of losing deposit, if the Telangana State implements promised schemes.
“We will ensure Godavari waters irrigate one crore acres,” Mr Rao promised.
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