Hyderabad: Tummala Nageswara Rao launched a soil health volunteers training programme at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in Patancheru, stressing the importance of soil conservation for farmers.
He said improving soil quality is essential for better crop productivity, food quality, and environmental sustainability.
Training programme promotes sustainable farming
Around 120 farmers from Kodangal constituency are participating in the two-day programme. They are receiving hands-on training in soil testing, nutrient management, and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
The initiative, organised by ICRISAT and the State Agriculture Department, aims to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and promote scientific farming methods.
Expansion plan across villages
The Minister announced plans to train 30,000 volunteers across the State. Each village will have a trained resource person to create awareness at the grassroots level.
He also said the government has doubled its soil testing target to four lakh samples this year from two lakh last year, aiming to cover every revenue village through the soil health volunteers initiative.
Linked to long-term vision
Tummala Nageswara Rao connected the programme to Telangana’s long-term agricultural goals. He said the initiative would help increase farmers’ incomes while lowering cultivation costs.
He encouraged practices such as crop rotation, composting, and cultivation of leguminous crops to improve fertility.
Institutional support and participation
The event was attended by Himanshu Pathak and Stanford Blade, along with senior officials from agriculture and horticulture departments.
Experts stressed the need to connect scientific research with field-level implementation for better results.
Focus on income and diversification
The Minister also urged farmers to explore high-value crops such as vegetables and oil palm. He said diversification and awareness initiatives would strengthen sustainable agriculture in the State.
