HYDERABAD: Round table flags distress among tenant farmers statewide
Civil society groups and intellectuals on April 16, 2026 demanded that the Congress government implement promises made to tenant farmers in Telangana.
A round table organised by Rythu Swarajya Vedika brought together representatives of several organisations and experts. Participants said tenant farmers, who account for over 22 lakh farmers or 36 per cent of the farming community, are in distress due to lack of access to bank loans and government schemes.
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They said 80 per cent of farmer suicides involve tenant farmers and blamed government inaction for the situation.
Committee formed to push recognition and welfare measures
The meeting announced the formation of the "Telangana Tenant Farmers Recognition Committee" and a joint action plan to secure recognition and benefits for tenant farmers.
The committee will be chaired by Prof. D. Narasimha Reddy.
Participants said under the 2011 Licensed Cultivators Act, the government must accept applications from tenant farmers, verify them through gram sabhas and issue Licensed Cultivator Cards (LEC), enabling access to all schemes and crop loans.
They said only recognition and inclusion in schemes can improve the condition of tenant farmers and announced plans for a joint agitation to pressure the government.
Field reports highlight barriers in subsidies and crop sales
Tenant farmers and grassroots activists from various districts detailed problems they face, including lack of access to urea distribution, subsidies, compensation for crop losses and barriers during crop sales due to the requirement of land ownership documents.
A Kisan Mitra team presented these issues through a street play, depicting difficulties faced with officials and landowners.
Those who attended included Prof. Haragopal, Prof. Kodandaram, Justice Chandrakumar, Kondaviti Satyavati, P. Shankar, Aribandi Prasada Rao, Ambati Nagaiah, Ravichander, Meera Sanghamitra, M. Anjaneyulu, Somidi Srinivas, Jakkula Venkataiah, M. Swapna, Eswaramma, M. Janardhan, Sangeppu Borranna, Lakshmi, Chukkamma, Shivaji and Sadanandam.
The meeting was organised by B. Kondal. Speakers from the Rythu Swarajya Vedika state executive included Kanneganti Ravi, S. Ashalatha, Vissa Kiran Kumar and Sri Harsha.