AP Government Expands ‘Annadata Sukhibhava’ Scheme to Include Tenant Farmers and ROFR Landholders
In a significant move aimed at widening the scope of agricultural welfare, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced an expanded version of the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme to include not only land-owning farmers but also tenant cultivators and those holding Recognition of Forest Rights (ROFR) documents.
Under this initiative, eligible farming families will receive annual financial assistance of ₹20,000, a sum that incorporates the ₹6,000 offered by the Central Government’s PM-Kisan Yojana. The remaining ₹14,000 will be provided by the state government. The assistance will be disbursed in three installments directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Tenant and ROFR Farmers Included
What sets this initiative apart is the inclusion of tenant farmers—individuals who cultivate leased land without ownership rights—and farmers possessing ROFR certificates. Traditionally excluded from several agricultural welfare schemes, these groups will now be recognized as beneficiaries, reflecting a more inclusive approach to farm support.
The scheme also accommodates farmers engaged in agriculture, horticulture, and sericulture sectors. A family unit, as defined by the government, includes the husband, wife, and minor children. Married children will be considered separate units for eligibility purposes.
Identification Process and Timeline
To ensure timely implementation, field-level verification has been prioritized. Departmental assistants from Agriculture, Horticulture, and Sericulture—alongside Tahsildars and Mandal Agriculture Officers—have been tasked with identifying and verifying eligible farmers. These lists are to be uploaded to the official Annadata Sukhibhava portal by May 20.
Exclusion Criteria
The government has also established clear exclusion criteria. The following individuals will not be eligible:
- Those who paid income tax in the previous financial year.
- Current or former holders of constitutional posts.
- Government employees (both state and central).
- Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects.
- Economically affluent individuals.
A Step Toward Inclusive Agricultural Welfare
By broadening the eligibility criteria, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to address long-standing grievances of tenant and forest land farmers, many of whom face economic hardship without the cushion of formal support. The Annadata Sukhibhava initiative, now restructured, represents a more equitable framework for agricultural assistance in the state.
