Congress Government Establishes National Standards in Agriculture and Irrigation
In a significant address, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that the Congress government in Telangana has positioned agriculture and irrigation as the foundational pillars of its governance. Speaking at a training camp in Vikarabad, he detailed how the administration has set national benchmarks through innovative farmer-centric initiatives, substantial irrigation expansions, and comprehensive reforms in the public distribution system.
Recognition of Sonia Gandhi's Role in Telangana's Formation
During his speech to newly-appointed district Congress committee presidents from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Minister Reddy urged party leaders to acknowledge the pivotal contributions of Sonia Gandhi and the Nehru-Gandhi family in the creation and development of Telangana. He stated that Sonia Gandhi played a crucial role in granting statehood to Telangana. Additionally, Reddy alleged that K Chandrasekhar Rao, the former chief minister, had initially promised to merge his party—then known as TRS, now BRS—with the Congress but later reneged after state formation to pursue what he described as a personal and family-centric agenda.
Record-Breaking Agricultural Support and Procurement
Highlighting the government's commitment to farmers, Minister Reddy announced that agricultural support measures have yielded impressive results. Farmers received a bonus of ₹500 per quintal for fine variety paddy, significantly boosting their incomes. Furthermore, the state achieved a record procurement of 72 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the current kharif season, benefiting over 50 lakh farmers across Telangana. This milestone underscores the administration's dedication to enhancing rural livelihoods and ensuring food security.
Major Irrigation Projects Advancing Rapidly
On the irrigation front, Minister Reddy provided updates on several key projects aimed at transforming agricultural infrastructure. The Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project is progressing swiftly and is expected to bring water to approximately 3 lakh acres of farmland, enhancing irrigation capabilities in the region. Additionally, major projects such as Palamuru-Rangareddy, Kalwakurthy, Nettempadu, Koilsagar, and Bhima are targeted for completion before the next assembly elections, promising to expand water access significantly.
The Devadula project is slated for completion by December 2027, while the Sita Rama and Seetamma Sagar projects will utilize Godavari waters to irrigate around 6 lakh acres in Khammam district. These initiatives are designed to bolster agricultural productivity and support sustainable farming practices across the state.
Evaluation of Kaleshwaram Project for Sustainable Solutions
Regarding the Kaleshwaram project, Minister Reddy disclosed that experts from the Indian Institute of Technology are currently evaluating technological options. This assessment includes potential repairs to existing structures or a complete reconstruction to address previous shortcomings. Reddy emphasized that the government is committed to correcting the mistakes of the previous administration, with a detailed study underway to ensure a sustainable solution without abandoning the project. This approach aims to optimize resources and deliver long-term benefits for irrigation and agriculture in Telangana.
