Senior BJP leader Gudur Narayana Reddy demanded that the Congress government announce a special Rythu Bharosa package for farmers affected by severe drought-like conditions attributed to El Nino, besides immediately clearing all pending Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bharosa dues. He said farmers could not be expected to sacrifice an entire cropping season without adequate financial protection.
Reacting to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s appeal to farmers to skip one crop during the forthcoming Yasangi (Rabi) season to conserve drinking water, Mr. Narayana Reddy questioned how agricultural families would survive without income from cultivation.
Referring to estimates that crop losses during the Vanakalam season could reach ₹20,000 crore, Mr. Narayana Reddy demanded an immediate State-wide assessment of agricultural damage.
Mr. Narayana Reddy demanded a special per-acre compensation package over and above the regular Rythu Bharosa assistance of ₹6,000 per acre per season. He insisted that compensation should cover farmers whose crops failed, those unable to sow due to water scarcity and those who voluntarily skipped cultivation following government advice.
He also sought financial assistance for tenant farmers and actual cultivators who bear agricultural expenses but remain outside landownership-based benefit schemes.
The BJP leader criticised the Congress government for reducing its election promise of ₹15,000 per acre annually to ₹12,000 under Rythu Bharosa.
Mr. Narayana Reddy demanded immediate announcement of a special Rythu Bharosa relief package, clearance of verified pending dues, compensation for crop losses and financial protection for farmers advised to skip Yasangi cultivation.
Published - October 17, 2026 07:36 pm IST