Hyderabad: The Telangana government planned to expand Telangana vegetable cultivation to two lakh acres to reduce dependence on supplies from other states. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao announced the target in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Replying to questions from MLAs, Tummala said the area under vegetable crops had fallen sharply over the years. Cultivation declined from nearly three lakh acres to around one lakh acres in the State. Consequently, Telangana imported about six lakh metric tonnes of vegetables from other states during 2025-26, the Minister said.
Tummala said vegetable cultivation during the current Vanakalam, or monsoon season, had increased to 72,583 acres. Usually, vegetables were cultivated on about 51,000 acres during the season.
The government prepared a plan to bring two lakh acres under vegetable crops. It targeted one lakh acres during the current Vanakalam season and another one lakh acres during Rabi.
Telangana vegetable cultivation gets subsidy support
Tummala said the government aimed to make Telangana self-sufficient in vegetable production. Eventually, it also wanted the State to supply vegetables to other states. Officials received instructions to take the necessary measures to achieve the cultivation target.
The Minister said the government extended subsidies for vegetable seedlings, mulching and shade nets. Support was also available for permanent pandals, drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
During the current financial year, the government allocated Rs 20 crore for seedlings, mulching and shade nets. It earmarked another Rs 8 crore for permanent pandals.
In addition, the government allocated Rs 97 crore for drip irrigation. These measures formed part of its efforts to increase Telangana vegetable cultivation and support farmers.
Tummala said vegetable prices frequently fluctuated because of changes in supply and demand. Therefore, he stressed the need to encourage farmers to cultivate crops offering better yields and market demand.
The Agriculture Minister also called for a more effective agricultural subsidy policy. He said such a policy should encourage essential crops, soil conservation and natural farming.
Moreover, Tummala urged public representatives to create awareness among farmers about the benefits of natural farming. MLAs Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy, Payal Shankar and Yashaswini Reddy were among those who raised questions during the Assembly discussion.