The Telangana government has introduced a ₹500 bonus for high-quality rice varieties to promote their cultivation this season. The initiative is part of this year's budget, as reported by Telangana Today. The state has identified 33 high-quality rice varieties eligible for the bonus, including RNR-15048, BPT-5204, HMT Sona, and Jai Shriram.
In Karimnagar district, approximately 9.5 lakh acres are typically dedicated to rice cultivation each Kharif season. This year, the area is expected to expand to around 9.65 lakh acres. Historically, 80% of the cultivated area is planted with standard rice varieties, while 20% is reserved for high-quality ones. Last year, about 87,000 acres were planted with high-quality rice, and experts anticipate this figure will exceed 3 lakh acres this season.
Market demand for superior rice varieties is high, but farmers face challenges such as weather conditions, high costs, and pest issues, making cultivation of high-quality rice difficult. These varieties require more maintenance compared to standard types. Despite these challenges, the new bonus scheme is expected to encourage more farmers to grow high-quality rice.
M. Srinivas Reddy, a farmer from Mankondur Manda, expressed concerns about the adequacy of the ₹500 bonus. He noted that cultivating high-quality rice involves significant risks and costs, and the bonus may not be enough to offset these challenges. Last season, despite growing Basmati rice on three acres, he did not achieve a profit due to unseasonal rains and pest issues that impacted the yield. While the Telangana government's initiative is a positive step towards enhancing rice quality, there are ongoing concerns about whether the bonus will sufficiently support farmers in managing the risks associated with high-quality rice cultivation.
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