Rs 117.045 cr pending for Rythu Vedikas

Rythu Vedikas, established to provide guidance and advice to farmers, have become a financial burden on Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs), with maintenance funds not released for nearly four years. Expenses towards electricity, drinking water, sanitation, stationery and minor repairs are being met by the staff from their own pockets. During the previous BRS government, Rs 3,000 per month was sanctioned for maintenance. Following representations that the amount was insufficient, it was enhanced to Rs 9,000. However, funds were released only for five months, from April to August 2022. Since then, AEOs have been bearing the expenses themselves.

At Rs 9,000 per month, maintenance expenditure from September 2022 to October 2026 (50 months) works out to Rs 4.50 lakh per Rythu Vedika. For 2,601 sanctioned platforms, the total amounts to Rs 117.045 crore. Even considering only the 2,505 completed platforms, the expenditure would be around Rs 116.78 crore.

Meanwhile, a proposal to install 3-kilowatt solar power units at every Rythu Vedika to reduce electricity costs remains pending. In February 2025, the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation invited tenders for 10-kilowatt solar units at two platforms in Nagarkurnool and Mahabubnagar districts. However, the initiative has not been extended to other Rythu Vedikas, drawing criticism.