Hyderabad: Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Wednesday criticized the Central government for its failure to manage urea imports, blaming it for the ongoing fertilizer shortage affecting farmers across the country, including in Telangana.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Tummala said the Centre failed to import urea on time, leading to a nationwide supply crisis. “Telangana has not received its full quota for both August and September,” he noted.
Despite repeated appeals by Telangana leaders, including Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the Union government has not delivered the promised quantities. Tummala added that the Ramagundam fertilizer plant has remained shut for four months, making the situation worse.
He emphasized that September is crucial for Telangana farmers, as they need urea for standing crops this month. “We are urging the Centre to supply 2.8 lakh tonnes of urea before the end of September,” he said.
Tummala also said Telangana would press for GST exemptions on handloom products and farm tools during the upcoming GST Council meeting. He added that the state would seek flood compensation for damaged roads, infrastructure, crops, and property.
On the proposed airport in Kothagudem, the minister said Telangana would discuss the matter with Union ministers. If the current location is unviable, the state would propose an alternative site. He also suggested raising the import duty on palm oil to 40% to protect local oil producers.