Telangana Farmers Must Prepare for Possible Drought Conditions, Warns Minister T Nageswara Rao
Telangana Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao directs officials to prepare farmers for possible drought conditions due to El Niño, warns against crop residue burning, reviews ₹2,284.32 crore Koheda Fruit Market project, and discusses fertilizer app implementation.
Hyderabad: Telangana Agriculture, Marketing, Cooperation, Handlooms and Textiles Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has directed officials to prepare farmers for possible drought conditions in the state following warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department regarding the impact of El Niño. The minister also warned that action would be taken against officials showing negligence in cases of crop residue burning and reviewed preparations for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Koheda International Integrated Fruit Market project worth ₹2,284.32 crore.
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The minister made these remarks during a review meeting with senior officials of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments held at the Secretariat on Thursday. Discussions focused on El Niño conditions, crop residue burning, arrangements for the Koheda International Integrated Fruit Market, protection of Agriculture Department assets, and the fertilizer management system.
Farmers to Be Educated on Alternative Crops Amid El Niño Concerns
Tummala Nageswara Rao said that, following directions from the Chief Minister, Gram Sabhas should be conducted across Telangana on the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th of this month.
He stated that the Agriculture Department has already prepared district-wise crop plans considering the possibility of drought conditions. Officials were instructed to use Gram Sabhas to create awareness among farmers about crops that require less water, drought-resistant crops, and alternative farming methods.
The minister also advised officials to promote short-duration fine rice varieties in lift irrigation and borewell-based cultivation areas. Farmers should also be encouraged to cultivate dryland crops. Agricultural extension staff were directed to work at the field level and guide farmers in selecting crops according to prevailing weather conditions.
Strict Action Against Crop Residue Burning
The minister said that burning crop residues damages soil fertility and increases environmental pollution.
Referring to satellite images related to crop residue burning incidents in Nagarkurnool District, he instructed officials to collect satellite-based reports from all districts in the state.
He made it clear that action would be taken as per rules against those responsible whenever crop residue burning is detected. Officials were also asked to create awareness among farmers regarding scientific management of crop residues.
Final Preparations for Koheda International Integrated Fruit Market
The minister reviewed arrangements for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the International Integrated Fruit Market at Koheda, which will be built at a cost of ₹2,284.32 crore.
The Chief Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the project on the 6th of this month. Tummala Nageswara Rao described the project as a milestone for Telangana’s marketing sector and directed officials to complete all necessary arrangements on time to ensure the success of the event.
Special Plan to Protect Agriculture Department Assets
The minister said that vacant lands belonging to various departments under the Agriculture Department have already been identified.
He instructed officials to take special measures to prevent encroachments on these lands. A special committee headed by IAS officers should be constituted within one month to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the protection of departmental assets.
He also suggested exploring opportunities to lease vacant lands to generate revenue. Where leasing is not feasible, large-scale plantation programmes should be undertaken.
Telangana Fertilizer App Receives Central Government Appreciation Again
Tummala Nageswara Rao stated that the fertilizer app developed by the Telangana government has once again received appreciation from the Union Agriculture Ministry.
According to the minister, Telangana’s system of monitoring fertilizer distribution and usage has become a model for the country. He said the Secretary of the Union Agriculture Ministry has requested the state to effectively implement the fertilizer app developed by the Centre in pilot districts.
The Centre has also advised the state to take steps toward implementing the app in all districts in the future. The minister revealed that the Union Agriculture Ministry has assured incentives to the state if the app is implemented successfully.
Officials Present at the Meeting
The review meeting was attended by:
- Agriculture Department Secretary Surendra Mohan
- Agriculture Department Director Gopi
- Horticulture Managing Director Yasmin Basha
- AGROS Managing Director Ramulu
Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has instructed officials to prepare Telangana farmers for possible drought conditions caused by El Niño, warned of strict action over crop residue burning, reviewed preparations for the ₹2,284.32 crore Koheda International Integrated Fruit Market project, and ordered a special action plan for protecting Agriculture Department assets. The government is also moving forward with improved fertilizer management systems while receiving appreciation from the Centre for its fertilizer app.
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