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. 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.
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 model would improve access to farm equipment, reduce costs for small farmers and ensure better utilisation of machinery, according to Tummala.
The minister also asked officials to explore a larger role for farmer producer organisations (FPOs) in promoting farm mechanisation.
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.