Centre's regressive policies dampening Agri growth; farmers should switch to alternative crops: KCR

Hyderabad: Expressing concern over the Centre's regressive farm policies, Telangana chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao advised farmers to switch to alternative crops for better returns.

He said the central policies are dampening the agricultural growth of the country.

"It is unfortunate that the union government's haphazard policies are discouraging the farmers and reducing the farm output in the country," he said.

Big push to farm sector:

Despite facing hurdles, KCR made it clear that the State Government will strive to consolidate the agriculture sector. The chief minister reiterated that the action plan for the farmers' welfare will be strengthened.

Given the ensuing Vaanakalam (Kharif season) to begin in a few months, the CM instructed Agriculture Minister Niranjan Reddy to make all necessary arrangements. He urged farmers to switch to Cotton, Chilli, Red Gram, Watermelon, and other alternative crops.

High-level review:

The CM reviewed the availability of fertilizers and seeds. During a review meeting, he enquired about the progress of the paddy procurement. The officials have been asked to prepare a special action plan on profit-making crops. The CM instructed the top officials to depute the district officers and village level officials Agriculture Extension officers for spot visits and to give suggestions to the farmers on the cropping pattern. In this direction, KCR suggested the agriculture minister hold regular training programs for AE level officials. The top officials were also asked to prepare a duties and responsibilities chart for the agriculture officials.

Telangana farm sector is progressing:

The chief minister said that the weather conditions in Telangana are conducive for the agriculture sector. As the Indian meteorological department forecasted bountiful rains, the CM hoped that the growth in the farm sector will be encouraging this year. Farmers have completed yasangi works and the Vaanakalam season will begin soon. Before the new farm season, CM asked the officials to procure adequate fertilizers and seeds to ensure that the farmers do not face any difficulties.

He warned of stern action against those supplying spurious seeds. In Telangana, the farm sector contributes 21 percent to GSDP. He said the sector was completely neglected in the united Andhra Pradesh. The farm sector is driving the state economy, KCR said that the extension of Pranahitha and Kaleshwaram is in progress and all the projects taken up by the state government will be completed in a year.

No drought in Telangana:

There is no drought in Telangana. But this situation may arise in the future. He said the state agriculture department must be vibrant. KCR instructed the officials to prepare a district action plan to strengthen the farm sector by involving district Collectors and RDOs.

Reduce the indiscriminate use of fertilizers:

CM called for reducing the indiscriminate use of fertilizers. The CM asked the officials to educate the farmers about the scientific methods regarding the use of fertilizers. The soil health is deteriorating due to excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers. The CM expressed concern about repeating the same crops every year. He said it is affecting the soil's health. The need of the hour is to adopt alternative cropping to protect soil quality, he said. He asked the officials to prepare the required plans in this direction also.