Context:
- In a significant move to bolster the agriculture sector, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is slated to hold direct interactions with farmers today as part of the “Rythunestam” program. The initiative aims to connect farmers with agricultural experts and facilitate the announcement of key policy decisions.
- The “Rythunestam” program, which has already seen participation from 6.35 lakh farmers since its inception in March last year, is expanding its reach.
- The video conferencing facility, previously available at 500 centers, will now be accessible in an additional 1,000 centers from today, allowing a wider audience of farmers to benefit from expert advice on suitable crops and advanced farming techniques.
What is the “Rythunestam” program..?
- “Rythunestam” (meaning “Farmer’s Friend”) is a digital platform designed to connect farmers directly with agricultural experts, scientists, and government officials. It primarily leverages video conferencing facilities at “Rythu Vedikas” (farmer platforms) across the state.
- The program aims to provide real-time advice, address field-level issues, and disseminate crucial information to the farming community.
- The “Rythunestam” digital program was officially launched on March 6, 2024.
The “Rythunestam” program benefits farmers in several ways:
- Direct Interaction with Experts: Farmers can directly interact with agricultural scientists, officials, and other experts through video conferencing. This allows them to seek advice on suitable crops, modern farming techniques, pest and disease management, and other agricultural practices.
- Timely Information and Updates: The program provides farmers with timely information and updates relevant to their crops and the agricultural season. This helps them make informed decisions to optimize their yields.
- Addressing Field-Level Issues: Farmers can present their specific challenges and issues from their fields, and receive expert guidance on how to resolve them.
- Knowledge Sharing: The platform facilitates knowledge sharing among farmers themselves, allowing them to exchange experiences and learn from each other’s successful practices.
- Empowerment: By providing easy access to expert knowledge and government support, the program aims to empower farmers, reduce their reliance on traditional, often less effective methods, and ultimately increase the profitability of agriculture.
- Wider Reach: The expansion of video conferencing facilities to more Rythu Vedikas ensures that a larger number of farmers, including those in remote areas, can participate and benefit from the program.
Other Agriculture Schemes in Telangana:
- What it is: This is a flagship investment support scheme for farmers. It provides financial assistance to farmers at the beginning of each crop season (Kharif and Rabi) to cover input costs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor.
- Financial Aid: Under the newly renamed “Telangana Rythu Bharosa Scheme” (effective January 26, 2025), eligible farmers receive Rs. 12,000 per acre annually, disbursed in two installments (Rs. 6,000 per acre per season).
Rythu Bima (Farmer Group Life Insurance Scheme):
- This scheme provides financial security to the families of deceased farmers. It’s a group life insurance scheme for farmers.
- Coverage: In the event of an enrolled farmer’s death (due to any cause, including natural death), their nominee receives an insurance amount of ₹5 lakh.
- Eligibility: Farmers aged between 18 and 59 years, owning agricultural land and residents of Telangana, are eligible.
Crop Loan Waiver Scheme:
- The Telangana government has implemented crop loan waiver schemes to relieve farmers of their agricultural debt.
- The current government has initiated a fresh round of crop loan waivers, with commitments to clear loans up to certain amounts. This is a crucial measure to alleviate financial distress among farmers.
Farm Mechanization:
- This scheme promotes the use of modern farm implements and machinery to enhance efficiency and productivity in agriculture.
- Financial assistance and subsidies are often provided for farmers to purchase various farm implements, from animal-drawn tools to high-cost machinery, mini tractors, and post-harvest equipment.
Subsidy Seed Distribution:
- The government distributes various crop seeds (like paddy, jowar, maize, pulses, oilseeds, and green manure) to farmers at subsidized rates.
- To ensure access to quality seeds, promote the cultivation of diverse crops, and encourage better yields. The subsidy pattern varies depending on the crop.
Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC):
- This scheme aims to promote Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and bio-fertilizers.
- Benefits: Farmers receive a “Soil Health Card” that provides information on the nutrient status of their soil and recommends appropriate dosages of fertilizers to improve soil health and productivity.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM):
- While a centrally sponsored scheme, it’s implemented in Telangana to increase the production of food grains, pulses, coarse cereals, and nutri-cereals.
- Components: It includes various components focused on improving productivity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for different crops.