Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today launched an investment support scheme for farmers, claimed to be the first such initiative in the country.
Under the scheme 'Rythu Bandhu' (friend of farmers), Rs 8,000 per acre per year will be given to all farmers who own land.
"Today, we are giving Pattadar (title holder) passbooks along with crop investment support (cheques) to 58 lakh farmers all over the state. This is a golden chapter in the history of farming in India," he said addressing a public meeting at Huzurabad in Karimnagar district.
Rao said a budgetary allocation of Rs 12,000 crore has been made for the scheme in 2018-19.
He said Rs 6,000 crore has been provided to banks till yesterday for distribution to farmers.
"I appeal to bank managers. This fund has been specially provided to you by getting it from Reserve Bank (of India) for the sake of our farmers. Money should be given to any farmer who comes with the (Rythu Bandhu) cheque," he said.
Rao said the scheme shall not be extended to tenent farmers.
On the occasion, a resolution was passed urging the Centre to link rural employment scheme NREGA with agriculture.
"Farmer mainly needs three things for agriculture to be good. One, land is required. Two, water should be there, either through a canal or through current (to pump water). Three, investment is required.
"We have to fight a battle for the fourth. We have to fight with the Prime Minister. Our MPs are fighting... Farmers should get minimum support price," Rao said.
He demanded that the Centre should announce MSP for all crops with a hike.
Hitting out at Congress leaders for their criticism of the TRS government, he alleged they did not work for people's welfare when their party was in power in undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Rao distributed cheques to some beneficiaries under the 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme on the occasion.
Earlier, Rao blessed a newly-married couple when he noticed the celebration on his way to Huzurabad by road.
He assured that financial assistance would be provided to the couple under the 'Kalyana Lakshmi' scheme, a release from the CM's office said.
The state government provides financial assistance of Rs 1,00,116 for marriage of girls belonging to poor families under the 'Kalyana Lakshmi' scheme.
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