Concerns Rise as Farmers Receive Meager Rythu Bandhu Assistance

In the Hanwada mandal of the district, a farmer recently found himself at the center of a concerning situation when he received a mere Re.1 as part of the Rythu Bandhu input subsidy from the State government. This development has not only left the farmer, Panduranga Reddy, bewildered but has also sparked worries among other farmers in the region.

The disbursement of Rythu Bandhu assistance for the Yasangi season began following the directives of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. Initially, the input subsidy was intended for farmers owning less than five acres of land. However, Panduranga Reddy's surprise came through an SMS on his mobile, revealing that only Re.1 had been deposited into his bank account under the Rythu Bandhu assistance. This stands in stark contrast to previous seasons when the government used to allocate Rs.10,000 per acre for two seasons.

Expressing his astonishment, Panduranga Reddy stated, "I own five acres, and I got only Re.1." Similarly, in Tankara village of the same mandal, another farmer received an SMS indicating a deposit of Rs.62 under Rythu Bandhu in his account. Anjaneyulu, who owns two guntas of land, used to receive Rs.250 assistance in the past, but this season, only Rs.62 was deposited into his account. Furthermore, Anjaneyulu, who owns 1.5 acres in another survey number, expressed that he was yet to receive Rythu Bandhu assistance for that land.

The dissatisfaction is not isolated, as many farmers have complained about the delayed disbursement of assistance into their accounts. While the State government assured that the distribution of Rythu Bandhu into accounts would commence with farmers owning one acre, the delay is causing anxiety among farmers. There are concerns that the delay might force them to seek loans for Yasangi season cultivation.