Uttam Kumar Reddy praises Governor’s Address as a visionary roadmap for agriculture
HYDERABAD: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has commended Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s address to the Telangana Legislature, calling it a visionary roadmap for agricultural growth. He emphasized the speech’s strong focus on irrigation, farmer welfare, and rural development, underscoring the Congress government’s commitment to the farming community.
Record-Breaking Agricultural Achievements
Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted the Governor’s acknowledgment of Telangana’s record agricultural output, particularly in paddy cultivation. The state has emerged as India’s top paddy producer, with an unprecedented harvest of 260 lakh metric tonnes. This milestone, he said, was made possible due to improved irrigation, government policies, and the resilience of farmers. The state government has worked “shoulder to shoulder” with farmers to create an environment conducive to record-breaking production.
Major Financial Support for Farmers
One of the key initiatives outlined in the Governor’s address was the Rs 2 lakh crop loan waiver, a major electoral promise fulfilled by the Congress government. The scheme has successfully cleared Rs 20,616.89 crore of farm loans, benefiting 25.35 lakh farmers. Calling it a “lifesaver”, Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated the Governor’s statement that the initiative was “not just assistance but justice.” He stated that the debt relief has provided farmers with financial security and a fresh start.
Additionally, the government has expanded direct income support through the Rythu Bharosa scheme, increasing annual assistance to Rs 12,000 per acre. This initiative allows farmers to invest in better seeds, modern farming techniques, and irrigation facilities. For landless farm workers, the Indiramma Aathmeeya Bharosa scheme provides Rs 12,000 annually, ensuring that they also benefit from agricultural growth.
Technology and Institutional Support for Farmers
Beyond financial assistance, the government has invested in technology-driven and institutional support for farmers. The Rythu Vedikas initiative has established 566 farmer support centers, equipped with modern communication facilities. Additionally, the Rythu Nestham digital platform connects all 532 rural mandals through video conferencing, enabling direct interaction between farmers, agricultural scientists, and officials. Uttam Kumar Reddy lauded these steps as significant advancements in bridging the gap between policy and implementation.
Ensuring Fair Crop Prices
Another key focus of the government has been ensuring fair crop prices. The state has introduced a special bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for the Sannarakam variety of paddy, distributing Rs 1,206.44 crore to farmers. This move, highlighted in the Governor’s speech, protects farmers from market fluctuations and secures their incomes.
Formation of the Farmers Welfare Commission
To further enhance agricultural sustainability, the state government has established the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission. The commission will address farmer concerns, formulate progressive policies, and integrate scientific research into farming practices. Uttam Kumar Reddy called the initiative a “game-changer”, stating that expert guidance from the commission would shape the future of farming in Telangana.
Water Security and Future Plans
The Governor’s address also emphasized Telangana’s success in securing its rightful share of river waters. Through persistent legal efforts in the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II, the government has ensured the protection of its irrigation allocations. Efficient utilization of water resources has directly contributed to record agricultural yields, the minister noted.
Looking ahead, the government plans to expedite irrigation projects, strengthen water conservation efforts, and promote agri-tech adoption. Major irrigation schemes are being fast-tracked to ensure reliable water supply for all farmers, including those at tail-end regions. Conservation efforts include rejuvenating village tanks, promoting drip irrigation, and expanding sprinkler systems to enhance water efficiency and mitigate drought risks.
Agri-Tech for Future Farming
The push for technology-driven agriculture is another cornerstone of Telangana’s agricultural policy. Remote sensing, GIS-based crop monitoring, and real-time advisory services will help farmers adopt precision agriculture techniques. The newly formed Farmers Welfare Commission will lead innovations in modern farming, including soil health monitoring, precision irrigation, and climate-resilient strategies.
Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated that the initiatives outlined in the Governor’s address form a comprehensive blueprint for agricultural prosperity in Telangana. From financial aid and irrigation projects to modern farming techniques and water management, the government remains committed to farmer welfare. He reaffirmed that Telangana’s development strategy will continue to prioritize farmer prosperity and sustainable agriculture.