Hyderabad: Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said the state government aimed to develop Telangana natural farming as a national model while launching Farmer Kits under the National Natural Farming Mission.
He launched the distribution programme at the state Secretariat on Tuesday. The minister also interacted with farmers through Rythu Vedikas during the “Rythu Nestam” programme.
During the interaction, he reviewed farmers’ experiences and the challenges they faced in adopting natural farming practices. He said the initiative would strengthen sustainable agriculture across the state.
The minister announced a ₹42 crore plan to expand Telangana natural farming across 61,125 acres this year. The programme would cover 489 clusters and provide structured support to farmers.
He said the government planned to strengthen institutional backing and provide guidance to farmers adopting the system.
Telangana natural farming programme expands with cluster support
Tummala Nageswara Rao said the government appointed two ‘Krishi Sakhis’ for each cluster under the Telangana natural farming programme. Each support worker would receive a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000.
He said the Krishi Sakhis would assist farmers in implementing natural farming techniques in their fields.
In addition, the government promoted Bio-input Resource Centres with financial support of ₹1 lakh each. These centres would help farmers prepare natural inputs such as Jeevamrutham and Beejamrutham.
The minister said the system would reduce farmers’ dependence on external inputs and encourage local resource use.
Meanwhile, the government planned to build capacity at the grassroots level through training and coordination among agricultural staff.
The minister also announced that a “Rythu Mahotsavam” would be organised at Narmetta on Ugadi. The festival would feature 150 stalls related to agriculture and allied sectors.
He directed Agricultural Extension Officers, model farmers and scientists to coordinate closely and provide timely guidance to farmers.
Further, the government planned measures to promote oilseeds, pulses and millets in the state. He said oil palm cultivation could offer farmers stable income with limited risk from natural factors.
Tummala Nageswara Rao added that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy would release the first instalment of Rythu Bharosa funds on March 22.
He said the Telangana natural farming initiative would continue alongside welfare support programmes for farmers across the state.
