Hyderabad: Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju on Tuesday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive Telangana crop cultivation plan to significantly expand vegetables, fruit orchards and millets across the State.
Jaju issued the directions while chairing a review meeting at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat. The meeting examined measures to promote vegetables, fruit orchards and alternative crops in Telangana.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need to expand remunerative vegetable cultivation to improve farmers’ incomes. Therefore, he asked officials to identify suitable areas and crops for the proposed expansion. He also directed departments to take coordinated measures to increase acreage under vegetables, fruit crops, millets and other alternative crops.
Telangana crop cultivation plan to strengthen farmer support
Jaju instructed officials to seek support and cooperation from NABARD and all other relevant agencies. He said agencies should provide farmers with the necessary technical, financial and other assistance. Moreover, he sought measures to strengthen agricultural value chains and market linkages.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed irrigation requirements in view of the likely impact of El Niño. He stressed wider adoption of drip irrigation and other water-efficient practices.
In particular, Jaju sought greater use of efficient irrigation systems for horticultural and alternative crops. The measures were intended to ensure efficient utilisation of available water resources.
Jaju also called for close coordination between the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments. In addition, he sought cooperation from the State’s agricultural and veterinary universities.
The coordinated approach would provide appropriate technical guidance to farmers. It would also promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture across Telangana. Agriculture Department Secretary Surendra Mohan attended the meeting.
Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Althas Janayya also participated. P.V. Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University Vice-Chancellor Prof. M. Gnan Prakash attended the review. Horticulture University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Danda Raji Reddy was also present at the meeting.
The proposed action plan would focus on identifying appropriate crops and cultivation areas while expanding institutional support for farmers. It would also integrate irrigation efficiency, technical guidance, value chains and market linkages with crop diversification efforts.