Hyderabad, Nov.29 (NSS): Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that farmers remain the first priority for the Congress government in Telangana.
Speaking at the Rythu Panduga (farmers’ festival) programme in Mahabubnagar on Friday, Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted key initiatives and achievements aimed at supporting farmers. The meeting was a prelude to a massive public meeting to be addressed by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday.
Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao, reviewed the arrangements for the public meeting with the combined Mahabubnagar district MLAs and other leaders. The ministers gave various directions on the arrangements for the meeting and the ‘Rythu Panduga’ agriculture stalls to be visited by the Chief Minister on Saturday. Earlier, Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Nageshwara Rao, visited the three-day Rythu Panduga stalls and exhibition on modern farming techniques, profitability, and crop management. Over 150 stalls representing 25 departments, agricultural universities, and related institutions showcased innovations in agriculture, horticulture, and veterinary sciences. Farmers had the opportunity to interact directly with officials, gaining insights into field-level conditions under the Rythu Nestham scheme.
State Planning Commission Vice-Chairman G Chinna Reddy and other dignitaries, including local MLAs, toured the stalls and praised the initiative. The ministers expressed optimism that such efforts would significantly benefit farmers and revitalise agriculture in Telangana.
Speaking on the occasion, Uttam Kumar Reddy criticised the BRS government for failing to honour its promises, including the crop loan waiver, which he said caused significant distress to farmers. In contrast, he highlighted that the Congress government waived crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh benefitting 22.22 lakh farmers within just 27 days. He added that Telangana has achieved record-breaking paddy cultivation, with 66.77 lakh acres yielding 153 lakh metric tonnes this season. He said that the Congress government is expected to spend nearly Rs 17,000 crore for procurement of paddy which includes payment of Rs. 500 per quintal bonus for fine paddy. He assured that the state government would procure every grain produced by the farmers.
Uttam Kumar Reddy outlined the State government’s Rs. 54,280 crore expenditure on farmer welfare in its first year, covering initiatives such as the continuation of free electricity for agriculture. He noted that Rs. 10,444 crore had been spent on subsidies to ensure uninterrupted power supply to farmers. Minister Uttam said the revamped crop insurance scheme ensured compensation for crop losses, with Rs. 1,300 crore allocated for premiums. He reminded that there was no crop insurance during the BRS regime which caused huge losses to the farmers. Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the Congress government was committed to restarting development in Telangana, which had stalled over the last decade, and promised swift action to resolve any procurement-related issues brought to officials’ attention.
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao echoed these sentiments, stating that the Congress government prioritises farmers’ welfare over political gains. He said that farmers have been expressing happiness with the pro-farmers measures being taken by the government which shows its commitment to their welfare. Nageshwara Rao reiterated that the Congress government would continue implementing policies designed for the welfare of farmers, focusing solely on their needs rather than electoral considerations.