Telangana CM KCR Directs Release of Rs 19,000 Crore Towards Crop Loan Waiver

The Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekhar Rao, has reaffirmed the State government's commitment to providing debt relief to farmers by fulfilling the crop loan waiver process in its entirety. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting at Pragati Bhavan on Wednesday.

Under the crop loan waiver scheme, the State government aims to provide debt relief to farmers up to Rs 1 lakh in five installments. The Chief Minister emphasized that the welfare of farmers and the development of the agriculture sector remained at the top of the government's agenda.

Due to various challenges faced by the State, such as the impact of demonetization, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Center's partisan attitude in scaling down FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) funds, there had been some delays in implementing the waiver process. However, the government has remained steadfast in its efforts to support farmers by continuing pro-farmer schemes like Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, free electricity, and extension of irrigation facilities.

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The Chief Minister ordered the release of Rs 19,000 crore to lender banks to clear pending installments under the crop loan waiver scheme. He directed Finance Minister T Harish Rao and Special Chief Secretary for Finance K Ramakrishna Rao to resume the program immediately and ensure its completion within one and a half months, meeting the deadline of September 15.

During the review meeting, it was highlighted that despite the challenges faced, the State government had already provided relief to farmers by partially paying lender banks towards loan waiver installments. The remaining amount of Rs 19,000 crore will mark the final round of the implementation of the scheme, resulting in the full realization of the Chief Minister's promise on debt relief for farmers.

The Chief Minister expressed his dedication to empower farmers financially and stated that the government would initiate more programs to benefit the agricultural community. Notably, the establishment of food processing units for agricultural development is underway.

Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, Somesh Kumar, Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar, and Agriculture Secretary Raghunandan Rao were among the key officials who attended the review meeting.

As the State government remains resolute in its commitment to the welfare of farmers, the successful completion of the crop loan waiver process will provide much-needed relief and support to the farming community in Telangana.

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