Congress promises loan waiver, investment support to Telangana farmers

Warangal (Telangana), May 6 (IANS) The opposition Congress in Telangana on Friday launched its preparations for the next year's Assembly elections with a slew of promises to farmers including Rs 2 lakh loan waiver and Rs 15,000 direct benefit per acre annually.

At the massive public meeting titled 'Kisan Sangharsh Sabha' addressed by party leader Rahul Gandhi, the party announced a 'Warangal declaration' which also includes Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agriculture produce.

State party chief A. Revanth Reddy read out the nine-point declaration.

The Congress promised that after coming to power it will waive off crop loans of Rs.2 lakh, at one go.

'Indiramma Rythu Bharosa' scheme will be introduced to provide investment support of Rs 15,000 per acre per annum to both land-owning farmers as well as to tenant farmers, reads the declaration.

Every landless farm labourer registered under MGNREGS will be provided Rs 12,000 per year. It promises to procure all crops grown by farmers in the state with improved MSP.

The Congress also promised to reopen closed sugar factories and set up a Turmeric Board. A better crop insurance scheme will be introduced to cover crop losses due to natural calamities or other reasons. Agricultural work will also be integrated into MGNREGS scheme.

The declaration promises pattas to farmers who are farming 'Podu' lands. Beneficiaries of assigned lands will get ownership and sale-resale rights.

The opposition party also promised to abolish Dharani portal launched by Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government saying it is proving to be a bane for farmers. It instead plans to bring a new revenue system.

It also promises new laws to end the menace of spurious seeds and pesticides. If voted to power, the party will also ensure corruption free, time bound construction of pending irrigation projects.

A 'Rythu Commission' will be established to permanently resolve the issues faced by farmers and protect their rights. A new agricultural policy will be framed to make agriculture profitable.

Gandhi told the gathering that every word of the declaration is the guarantee of Congress. He said all the promises made in the declaration will be fulfilled and pointed out that the party has implemented the promises made to farmers of Chhattisgarh after coming to power in that state.