Revanth Reddy orders action plan for seed distribution and crop procurement
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for crop procurement and seed distribution to ensure farmers do not face difficulties during the upcoming farming season.
During a review meeting of the Agriculture Department, the Chief Minister stressed the need for transparency in farmer registration, crop estimation and procurement operations. He also called for better coordination among departments.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao and D. Sridhar Babu, senior officials and agriculture experts.
Revanth Reddy ordered the immediate formation of a high-level committee to monitor farming activities from seed distribution to final procurement. The Agriculture Secretary will lead the committee. Moreover, officials from Civil Supplies and Planning departments will serve as members.
The committee will oversee farmer registration, crop data collection, production estimates and procurement activities. In addition, it will promote modern technology and ensure field-level verification of cultivation details.
Crop procurement system to use technology and monitoring
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure smooth crop procurement at Minimum Support Prices and within Central government guidelines. Furthermore, he directed them to prepare in advance for challenges such as unseasonal rains, storage, transport and marketing.
Following the government’s bonus announcement for fine variety paddy, Revanth Reddy ordered adequate supply of seven approved paddy seed varieties. These seeds will be provided at subsidised rates through Rythu Vedikas.
He also directed officials to transform Rythu Vedikas into farmer service centres. Therefore, farmers will be able to register details and purchase seeds and fertilisers at these facilities.
The Chief Minister emphasised the use of AI-based technology across the agricultural ecosystem. Consequently, the Agriculture Department, Civil Supplies Department and Agricultural University will work together to improve efficiency and transparency.
Officials also reviewed the AI pilot project in Dammapeta mandal. If successful, the government will expand the initiative across the state.
To improve fertiliser distribution, Revanth Reddy ordered an app-based booking system. Farmers will book fertilisers through the app and collect them from Rythu Vedikas. Additionally, Additional Collectors will supervise urea distribution in districts.
The Chief Minister asked Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao to regularly raise Telangana’s fertiliser requirements with the Centre. He also demanded adequate allocation from the Ramagundam fertiliser plant.
Revanth Reddy further directed officials to reduce losses in MARKFED and improve profitability. He also called for strengthening OIL FED and ensuring timely payments to dairy farmers.
