Rythu Bharosa Rollout Set for June 30 Amid Fertiliser Row

The Telangana government has announced a major package of support measures for farmers ahead of the Kharif cultivation season, including the release of Rythu Bharosa assistance on June 30 , a bonus for premium paddy varieties, and a renewed push for adequate fertiliser supplies from the Centre. The state has also signalled that it is prepared to launch an agitation if Telangana does not receive its fair share of fertilisers from the Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (RFCL) plant.

The decisions were taken during an informal Cabinet meeting in Hyderabad on Thursday. Speaking to the media, Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Rythu Bharosa funds would be released at a large farmers' gathering in Madhira, Khammam district . Under the scheme, the state provides ₹12,000 per acre annually to support farmers with cultivation expenses.

In another key decision aimed at encouraging the cultivation of market-friendly rice varieties, the Cabinet approved a ₹500-per-quintal bonus for select fine rice varieties. The incentive will be applicable to varieties such as BPT 5204, RNR 15048, HMT Sona, Jai Sriram, KNM 1638, WGL 44 and KM 7715 . Officials believe the move will help increase the production of high-quality rice that enjoys strong demand in domestic and export markets.

The government also highlighted its procurement achievements during the recently concluded Rabi season. According to Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana purchased nearly 80 lakh metric tonnes of paddy , making it one of the largest procurement drives in the country. However, he alleged that the Centre was not extending adequate support in procuring Telangana's produce and called for the entire paddy output of the state to be purchased under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework.

The issue of fertiliser supply emerged as a major concern during the meeting. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao accused the Centre of failing to supply the quantity of fertilisers promised to Telangana. He claimed that despite assurances of around two lakh metric tonnes per month , actual supplies during April, May and June remained significantly lower.

Tummala said the shortage was affecting farmers during a crucial phase of the Kharif season and questioned whether Telangana was being subjected to discrimination. He stressed that the Centre's responsibility extends beyond announcing MSP and includes ensuring timely procurement and adequate agricultural support.

The state government is also expected to press for greater involvement of agencies such as FCI, CCI and NAFED in procuring paddy, cotton and other crops. Referring to the RFCL plant at Ramagundam , Tummala argued that Telangana should receive a larger share of fertilisers produced there, as envisaged under earlier agreements.

With the release of Rythu Bharosa funds, incentives for premium paddy cultivation and a stronger stance on fertiliser allocation, the Telangana government is seeking to reinforce its farmer-centric agenda while stepping up pressure on the Centre ahead of the peak agricultural season.