Hundreds of farmers from the former Khammam district voiced their concerns during a public hearing on Rythu Bharosa, emphasizing that the benefits should exclusively target small and marginal farmers. They criticized the previous administration for extending benefits to uncultivated lands owned by real estate developers and wealthy landlords.
Several tenant farmers also expressed their views, advocating for financial assistance from the government. The event, held on Wednesday, saw Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with Ministers Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Thummala Nageswara Rao representing the state government.
P Nagi Reddy, a farmer from Yerrupalem in Madhira constituency, stressed the importance of directing Rythu Bharosa towards small and marginal farmers. Meanwhile, M Nagamani, hailing from V Venkatayapalem village in Raghunadhapalem mandal, highlighted past issues where ineligible individuals had received Rythu Bandhu, urging the current administration to ensure that genuine farmers receive the incentives. She also urged for provisions of agricultural tools, fertilizers, and pesticides to be extended to tenant farmers.
K Rajeswari, another farmer from V Venkatayapalem village, raised concerns over the declining production of food grains due to a shift towards commercial crops. She urged the government to prioritize Rythu Bharosa for farmers engaged in food grain cultivation and appealed to ministers to assist tenant farmers as well.
District Rythu Sangham leader B Rambabu suggested that instead of Rythu Bharosa, the government should consider announcing a bonus on all crops, which he believed would bring happiness to everyone.
During the event, Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka expressed the intention to distribute the state's resources and wealth equitably among the people. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the agriculture sector and announced plans to gather farmers' opinions, discuss them in the Assembly, and subsequently formulate guidelines for the implementation of Rythu Bharosa.
