Farmers’ issues must be resolved: Harish Rao

Former minister and MLA T. Harish Rao submitted a memorandum to State Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao , highlighting farmers’ issues in the Siddipet constituency. The memorandum was presented during a farmers’ meet held in Narmetta village . MLCs Desapati Srinivas , Yadava Reddy , and Dubbak MLA Kotha Prabhakar Reddy also attended the programme.

Harish Rao strongly criticised the government, stating that promises made to farmers remain unfulfilled . He pointed out that in Narmetta village, out of 725 farmers, nearly half have not received loan waivers , with dues amounting to around ₹3 crore pending in the village alone. In the Siddipet constituency, he said, over ₹300 crore in loan waiver funds is yet to be disbursed to 22,849 farmers . He added that lakhs of farmers across the state are still waiting for loan waiver benefits.

He alleged that the government had reduced the required funds for loan waivers and released only ₹20,000 crore , despite higher requirements. According to him, while bankers estimated a need of ₹51,000 crore , the government reduced the allocation to ₹31,000 crore in the Budget and ultimately spent only ₹20,000 crore. He expressed concern that even farmers with loans above ₹2 lakh, who have repaid dues to banks, have not yet received the waiver, adding that the Chief Minister failed to fulfil the promise of 100% loan waiver .

Harish Rao also criticised delays in the release of Rythu Bharosa funds . He said that dues of around ₹170 crore are pending in the Siddipet constituency for the 2024 Kharif, Rabi, and 2025 Rabi seasons , while statewide dues are estimated at nearly ₹25,000 crore . He demanded that these funds be credited to farmers’ accounts immediately.

He further alleged that farmers affected by unseasonal rains and hailstorms have not received compensation. In Siddipet alone, thousands of farmers incurred losses but were not provided relief. He also criticised the government’s failure in implementing crop insurance , urging it to introduce insurance per acre as promised during elections, at least during upcoming farmers’ events.

Meanwhile, under the state government’s “Prajapalana – Pragathi Pranalika” , an oil palm factory in Narmetta will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister on March 22 and dedicated to farmers. Additionally, a refinery unit worth ₹80 crore will be laid with a foundation stone.

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister will hold a direct interaction with local farmers to understand their issues and will also release the first instalment of Rythu Bharosa funds , aiming to provide direct benefits to farmers.