Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday directed officials to adopt a comprehensive action plan for the supply of seeds and the purchase of harvested crops from farmers during the upcoming Kharif season. He instructed officials to immediately constitute a high-level committee headed by the agriculture secretary to ensure smooth procurement operations while minimizing inconvenience to farmers.
High-Level Committee for Procurement
The committee will continuously monitor seed distribution, sowing of crops, registration of farmer details, recording crop information, estimation of produce, and the final procurement process, the CM stated at a review meeting on the agriculture sector held at the MCRHRD Institute. The committee will also facilitate the adoption of modern technology in farming activities at the ground level and ensure that details of cultivation of crops in every acre are recorded through field-level verification.
Measures for Smooth Procurement
The CM directed officials to take all necessary measures to ensure the smooth procurement of agricultural produce, adhering to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and quotas prescribed by the Centre. An advanced action plan will be put in place to address issues such as unseasonal rains, weighing, transportation, storage, and marketing during the procurement period.
Fine Paddy Seeds and Bonus
Revanth said seven specific varieties of fine paddy seeds should be made available to farmers at subsidized rates through Rythu Vedikas. The state government has announced a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal on fine variety paddy. He also directed officials to compile comprehensive data on the cultivation of fine paddy varieties.
Rythu Vedikas as Epicenters
Officials were told to develop Rythu Vedikas into epicenters where farmers can learn about the benefits available to them from the state and other sources. “Arrangements should be made to enable farmers to register their details and purchase seeds and fertilizers at the Vedikas. One official each from the revenue and police departments, in addition to agriculture, will be deployed at every Rythu Vedika,” the CM said.
Leveraging Technology
The agriculture department officials were told to leverage technology, mainly the utilization of AI-based systems. A study of the results from the AI pilot project launched in the Dammapeta mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district and expanding its use if it proves beneficial to farmers was also reviewed.
Fertilizer Distribution via App
To enhance transparency and expedite fertilizer distribution, the CM directed the implementation of a system that would allow all types of fertilizers to be booked via an app. Farmers will be able to book urea through the app, and it will be distributed via Rythu Vedikas. Responsibility of urea distribution has been assigned to the additional district collectors.
Pressure on Centre for Fertilizers
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao will periodically write to the Centre seeking allocation of urea and other fertilizers required for the Kharif season. “The government should exert pressure on the Centre to ensure that fertilizers produced at the Ramagundam plant are allocated to Telangana. The MPs from all parties should explain the ground reality of the state’s fertilizer situation to the Union government. If necessary, a delegation of ministers and MPs should visit Delhi to make a formal appeal to the Centre,” Revanth said.
