Former Union Minister and BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya observed that Rythu Bandhu scheme introduced by Telangana government would surely provide temporary relief to farmers, but said it is not panacea to their problems.
“If the State government is really interested in helping the farmers, it should give bonus on minimum support price (MSP) announced by the Centre to crops. It should give ₹500 per quintal bonus to paddy farmers now, in addition to the support price of ₹1,590 per quintal, as being done by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala governments,” Mr. Dattatreya said, addressing a press conference here on Sunday. The major problems being faced by the farmers were that of support price and spurious seed, he said, asking the State government to focus on them. Although the government had announced booking cases under PD Act against spurious seed sellers, not much had happened in that direction, Mr. Dattatreya said.
He alleged that the State government was unmoved on the plight of farmers who have suffered heavy loss due to untimely rains. He said standing crop was damaged in about 1.5 lakh hectares over the last three months, while paddy produce lying in market yards had also been damaged. No compensation had been announced for such farmers, noted the former Union Minister, adding that farmers had invested about ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 per acre. Speaking about Rythu Bandhu, Mr. Dattareya said time would decide whether it would be useful to farmers or not. He also wanted the State government to extend the scheme to the remaining 50 lakh farmers in the State, in addition to the 58 lakh farmers covered under the scheme presently. Leaving out farmers from SC, ST and OBC sections was not appropriate, he opined.
Mr. Dattatreya said there was huge discontent against the TRS government among the farming community and youth, although several schemes appear good on paper. He alleged it had failed to address the farmers’ problems and also failed to keep the promises made to the youth such as filling all vacancies in the government.