Hyderabad: Panchayat Raj, Rural Water Supply, and Women and Child Welfare Minister Danasari Anasuya, popularly known as Seethakka, urged farmers to cultivate alternative crops instead of paddy in view of the prevailing rainfall deficit.
She advised farmers to take up crops such as red gram, green gram, maize and millet, saying they would witness higher demand in the coming days.
Alternative crops advised amid rainfall deficit
The Minister made the remarks while inaugurating a scientific beekeeping training programme for women self-help groups at Gonepalli village in Tadwai mandal on Thursday.
District Collector Borkhade Hemanth Sahadeorao, SP Sudheer Ramnath Kekan, DFO Vikas Meena and ITDA Project Officer Naveen Vatsal Toppo attended the programme, which the Society for Rural Development organised in association with Humble Bee.
Moreover, Seethakka said forests were vital for human survival and urged people to protect them while adopting healthier lifestyles by consuming natural forest produce.
She highlighted the nutritional benefits of mahua flowers, natural honey and moduga leaves. Additionally, she expressed concern over the increasing use of plastic plates, saying they posed health risks.
Alternative crops and livelihoods promoted
The Minister encouraged women to use interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh provided by the State government to improve their livelihoods.
She cited the success of a women-led mahua laddu unit established in Kondaparthi village with an investment of ₹50,000. According to her, the enterprise now generates an income of nearly ₹5 lakh.
Furthermore, she urged women to make use of the beekeeping training programme to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic independence.
Additional Collector Sampath Rao, District Library Chairman Banoth Ravi Chander, Market Committee Chairperson Rega Kalyani, rural development officials, Humble Bee representatives and members of self-help groups also attended the event.