Navigating Agricultural Policy

Government policies significantly shape farming outcomes—from input costs to market prices to income support. Understanding these policies helps farmers access benefits they're entitled to and plan their operations accordingly. We break down complex policy announcements into actionable information.

Central Government Schemes

PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi)

The national income support scheme provides ₹6,000 annually in three installments to eligible farmer families.

  • Eligibility: Land-owning farmer families with certain exclusions (government employees, taxpayers, etc.)
  • Amount: ₹2,000 per installment, three times a year
  • Registration: Through local agriculture offices or CSC centers
  • Status Check: Farmers can verify payment status on the PM-KISAN portal

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Crop insurance scheme covering yield losses from natural calamities:

  • Premium: 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for commercial crops
  • Coverage: Yield-based indemnity with CCE-based claim settlement
  • Voluntary: Now optional for all farmers including loanee farmers
  • Issues: Delayed claim settlements remain a concern; verification of enrollment is important

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

The central government announces MSP for 23 crops. Key points:

  • Calculation: Based on A2+FL cost formula with 50% margin
  • Procurement: Actual purchases depend on state-level implementation
  • Coverage: Paddy and wheat have highest procurement; other crops have limited buying
  • Regional Variation: Actual farmer realizations vary based on quality and location

Andhra Pradesh Schemes

YSR Rythu Bharosa

AP's flagship farmer income support scheme:

  • Amount: ₹13,500 per year for farmers, ₹9,000 for tenant farmers
  • Timing: Paid before each crop season for input purchase support
  • Eligibility: All farmers with land, including small and marginal
  • Tenant Recognition: Unique feature that supports landless cultivators

YSR Free Crop Insurance

State-subsidized crop insurance with zero farmer premium:

  • Government pays the entire premium on behalf of farmers
  • Coverage linked to PMFBY norms
  • Automatic enrollment for all registered farmers

AP Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF)

Policy push toward chemical-free farming:

  • Training and handholding for natural farming practices
  • Input subsidies for bio-preparations
  • Premium marketing support for natural produce
  • Target: 6 million hectares by 2027

Telangana Schemes

Rythu Bandhu

Pioneer investment support scheme (launched 2018):

  • Amount: ₹10,000 per acre per year (₹5,000 each for Kharif and Rabi)
  • Eligibility: Land-owning farmers (tenant farmers not covered)
  • Payment: Direct bank transfer before crop seasons
  • Coverage: All agricultural land regardless of crop

Rythu Bima

Life insurance for farmers:

  • Coverage: ₹5 lakh life insurance for farmer families
  • Premium: Fully paid by state government
  • Eligibility: Farmers aged 18-59 enrolled in Rythu Bandhu
  • Claims: Relatively quick settlement process

Free Electricity for Agriculture

Telangana provides free electricity to agricultural connections:

  • No charges for agricultural pump sets up to defined limits
  • Enables groundwater irrigation expansion
  • Sustainability concerns about groundwater depletion

How to Access Scheme Benefits

  1. Registration: Ensure your land records are updated and linked to Aadhaar
  2. Bank Account: Maintain active bank account with updated details
  3. Documentation: Keep land documents, Aadhaar, and bank passbook ready
  4. Local Office: Visit Rythu Vedika (TS) or RBK (AP) for scheme enrollment
  5. Verification: Regularly check payment status on official portals