BJP leader Gudur demands special Rytha Bharosa for El Nino affected farmers

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 immediate clearing of all pending Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bharosa dues. He said farmers cannot be expected to sacrifice the entire season without adequate financial protection.

Reacting to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s appeal to farmers to skip one crop during the upcoming Yasangi (rabi) season to conserve drinking water, Mr. Narayana Reddy questioned how farming families would survive without income from cultivation.

Citing estimates that crop losses during the Vanakalam season could reach ₹20,000 crore, Mr. Narayana Reddy demanded an immediate nationwide assessment of agricultural damage.

Mr. Narayana Reddy demanded a special compensation package per acre over and above Rythu Bharos’ normal assistance of ₹ 6,000 per acre per season. He insisted that compensation should be extended to farmers whose crops failed, those unable to sow due to lack of water and those who voluntarily skipped cultivation on government advice.

He also asked for financial assistance for tenant farmers and actual cultivators who bear agricultural expenses but remain outside the land ownership benefit schemes.

The BJP leader criticized the Congress government for reducing its election promise of ₹15,000 per acre per year to ₹12,000 for Rytha Bharosa.

Mr. Narayana Reddy demanded immediate announcement of a special rescue package for Rytha Bharos, clearance of verified dues, compensation for crop losses and financial protection for farmers who were advised to skip Yasangi cultivation.

Published – 17 Oct 2026 19:36 IST