Telangana to Register Farmers Cultivating Nine Identified Paddy Varieties

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao directed officials on Thursday to register all farmers cultivating any of the nine paddy varieties identified by the state government. Reviewing the progress of agricultural schemes in Hyderabad, the minister instructed Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) to conduct the registration process and told officials to generate awareness through Rythu Vedikas.

During the review meeting, Tummala sought detailed reports on the current crop situation across the state and urged departments under his charge to expedite the delivery of farmer welfare schemes. He warned that staff shortages must not be cited as a reason for delays in extending services or implementing welfare initiatives.

To overcome personnel constraints, the minister instructed departments to fill existing vacancies or redeploy staff from other government departments as required. He also stressed the need to fully utilize central funds made available to Telangana for agricultural development.

Assessing the agricultural mechanisation scheme, Tummala sought details regarding the number of subsidized farm machines supplied to farmers so far. He stated that there should be no delay in distributing equipment to beneficiaries.

For storage infrastructure, Tummala suggested initiating the construction of Markfed godowns with a sanctioned capacity of 65,000 metric tonnes as a pilot project in major paddy-growing districts.

Officials also briefed the minister on enforcement efforts against counterfeit fertilizers. They reported that cases have been registered against eight individuals involved in selling fake diammonium phosphate (DAP), leading to the arrest of six persons.