Andhra Pradesh Disburses ₹3,174 Crore to 4.7 Million Farmers
The Andhra Pradesh government has released the first tranche of its 'Annadatha Sukhibhava' scheme, depositing ₹7,000 into the bank accounts of 4.7 million farmers. The total disbursal amounts to ₹3,174 crore, combining state funds with the Centre's PM-Kisan aid. This initiative fulfills a key election promise of the new government, aiming to provide farmers with a total of ₹20,000 annually. The large-scale direct benefit transfer provides significant financial relief to the state's agricultural community and marks a major policy implementation.
Unpacked:
The ₹20,000 annual assistance is distributed in three instalments: the first phase provides ₹7,000 (₹5,000 from the state and ₹2,000 from the Centre), with subsequent instalments planned to cover the remainder. The scheme combines state funds with the Centre’s PM-Kisan aid to reach the promised total per year.
The government has set up a toll-free helpline (155251) and a digital portal where farmers can check payment status or report problems. Of the 59,750 grievances registered, 58,464 have already been resolved, indicating active grievance redressal efforts.
Annadatha Sukhibhava combines both state and central benefits for larger direct cash transfers, promises higher annual support than previous schemes, and emphasizes technology-driven advisories and prompt grievance redressal. It aims for transparency and fulfillment of specific election promises, contrasting itself with the prior regime’s approaches.
Beyond direct financial aid, the government is improving irrigation by increasing inflows to major reservoirs, monitoring water management, addressing issues like declining crop prices, and ensuring fertilizer supply. Technology-driven crop advisories are also being rolled out to assist farmers.