Telangana eyes bigger mechanisation drive with ₹148cr outlay | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: With farm mechanisation emerging as a key focus area, the Telangana govt has earmarked Rs 147.99 crore for its farm mechanisation scheme in 2026-27 and is awaiting the Centre’s guidelines on beneficiary selection before rolling out the programme. The scheme aims to expand access to modern farm equipment, particularly for small and marginal farmers.Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said the scheme, implemented with contributions from both the Centre and the state, was revived in 2025-26 after remaining on the sidelines during the previous govt’s tenure. Of the Rs 71 crore allocated last year, Rs 63 crore was utilised, he said.Under the scheme, SC and ST farmers will receive a 60% subsidy, while BC and other farmers will be eligible for a 40% subsidy. The subsidy amount will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.Tummala said farmers should have the freedom to buy machinery from any empanelled company rather than being tied to a specific supplier. Such flexibility would allow them to compare prices and quality before making a purchase, he said.The scheme has been significantly expanded and will now cover 37 categories of agricultural equipment, up from 19 earlier. The list includes power tillers, weeders, cultivators, rotavators, seed drills, planters, sprayers, drones, combine harvesters, threshers, maize shellers, straw balers, mulchers and brush cutters.The minister also asked officials to explore a larger role for farmer producer organisations (FPOs) in promoting farm mechanisation. He suggested developing FPOs as custom hiring centres so that small farmers can rent expensive machinery whenever needed instead of purchasing it on their own.According to Tummala, the model would improve access to farm equipment, reduce costs for small farmers and ensure better utilisation of machinery.He directed officials to gather feedback from farmers and FPOs during the next Rythu Nestham programme and incorporate feasible suggestions before finalising the scheme’s implementation.The minister also asked officials to provide scope for adding new equipment in future based on changing cultivation practices, farmers’ requirements and emerging agricultural technologies.