Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said Telangana natural farming would be developed as a national model while launching Farmer Kits under the National Natural Farming Mission.
He launched the distribution at the state Secretariat on Tuesday. He also interacted with farmers through Rythu Vedikas during the “Rythu Nestam” programme and reviewed their experiences and challenges.
The minister announced a ₹42 crore plan to expand Telangana natural farming across 61,125 acres in 489 clusters this year. He said the programme aimed to strengthen sustainable agriculture practices.
Moreover, he said the initiative would support farmers with structured guidance and institutional backing.
Telangana natural farming plan covers clusters and support staff
Tummala Nageswara Rao said the government appointed two ‘Krishi Sakhis’ for each cluster. Each would receive a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000.
He said the support staff would assist farmers in adopting Telangana natural farming practices. In addition, the government promoted Bio-input Resource Centres with ₹1 lakh support each.
These centres would help farmers prepare inputs such as Jeevamrutham and Beejamrutham. He said this approach would reduce dependence on external inputs.
Furthermore, the Telangana natural farming programme aimed to build local capacity and improve sustainability at the grassroots level.
Telangana natural farming push includes festival and crop promotion
The minister announced that a “Rythu Mahotsavam” would be held at Narmetta on Ugadi. The event would feature 150 stalls from agriculture and allied sectors.
He directed Agricultural Extension Officers, model farmers and scientists to coordinate closely. He said they must provide timely guidance to farmers.
In addition, the government planned special measures to promote oilseeds, pulses and millets. He said oil palm cultivation offered stable income with minimal losses from natural factors.
Tummala Nageswara Rao also announced that the first instalment of Rythu Bharosa funds would be released on March 22 by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
He said the Telangana natural farming initiative would continue alongside welfare support to farmers across the state.