Hyderabad, Dec.11 (NSS): The Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission has emphasised the need to encourage farmers to adopt horticultural crops, which can help improve their financial stability.
Senior officials of the Horticulture department paid a courtesy call on Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission Chairman M. Kodanda Reddy and its Members, including Bhavani Reddy, Sunil and Gadugu Gangadhar at the Commission’s office here on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the officials briefed the Commission on the activities and challenges being faced by the horticulture sector. On the occasion, the Commission emphasised the need to encourage farmers to adopt horticultural crops, which can help improve their financial stability.
Chairman Kodanda Reddy urged collective efforts to empower farmers to become self-reliant.
Highlighting the importance of efficient irrigation systems, the Commission noted that many farmers depend on drip irrigation for horticultural crops, but often find the scheme inaccessible. It urged officials to ensure the availability of such facilities to all eligible farmers.
The Commission also called for Members of Parliament to lobby the central government for increased funding and regular implementation of central schemes benefiting farmers.
Special attention was drawn to the plight of mango farmers who face heavy losses due to untimely rains. Similarly, chilli and turmeric farmers face financial strain when they store their produce, waiting for better market prices. The Commission pointed out that the quality of these crops deteriorates during prolonged storage, adding to farmers’ challenges.
