State Government Announces Crop Loan Waiver and Farmer Support Initiatives
The Telangana State government has decided to waive crop loans exceeding Rs 2 lakh and will soon provide Rythu Bharosa financial assistance to farmers. This announcement was made by Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar during an event in Karimnagar.
The minister attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new Huzurabad Agricultural Market Committee. Guduri Rajeshwari Swamy Reddy was sworn in as the Chairman of the committee, and Nampalli Tirupati took oath as Vice Chairman. The ceremony was conducted by Karimnagar district Agriculture Officer, Prakash.
Several leaders and officials were present at the event, including Government Whip Adi Srinivas, Huzurabad Congress in-charge Voditala Pranav, District Library Association Chairman Sathu Mallesh, and other district Congress leaders.
Speaking at the event, Minister Prabhakar emphasized the importance of avoiding excessive political interference, warning that it could harm democracy. He highlighted the Congress party’s past efforts to support farmers and stated that the government is committed to their welfare.
The minister also discussed irrigation and agricultural progress in the state. He noted that even when water from the Kaleshwaram project was unavailable, the state efficiently utilized water from Yellampalli to achieve record paddy production. However, he criticized rice millers for withholding Rs 20,000 crore owed to the government for paddy procurement. He stated that the government has instructed millers to clear their dues and clarified that only defaulters would face restrictions on further paddy procurement.
Additionally, the government announced a Rs 500 bonus for fine-quality paddy. Prabhakar also mentioned that agricultural officials would conduct family verifications for farmers who have not yet received the loan waiver benefits. He highlighted that the government had fulfilled its promise by waiving loans for 2 lakh farmers.
The minister criticized the BRS (formerly TRS) for its political strategies, questioning their priorities during elections in Maharashtra. He urged BRS leaders to clarify whether they were pleased about the BJP’s victory or Congress’s loss in Maharashtra.
On other governance matters, Prabhakar addressed the issue of pending ration cards. He assured that new ration cards, which have not been issued for the past 10 years, would soon be distributed. He also emphasized the importance of the caste enumeration survey proposed by Rahul Gandhi, stating that it would ensure justice and act as a guiding framework for the country.
The event concluded with the minister reiterating the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers and addressing public concerns.
