M Revanth Reddy Pushes for Vegetable Cultivation, Organic Farming Amid El Niño Concerns

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to intensify efforts to promote vegetable cultivation and organic farming across the state in view of the challenges posed by El Niño. Chairing a review after receiving an expert committee report at MCR HRD Institute's Bodhi Pavilion, the Chief Minister instructed the Agriculture Department to provide subsidised seeds and encourage vegetable farming, particularly in areas surrounding the newly established centralised kitchens that prepare breakfast and midday meals for government school students. He also emphasised creating awareness among farmers about organic cultivation and ensuring direct procurement of produce while deploying agricultural extension officers to provide technical guidance.

The expert committee observed that below-normal rainfall due to El Niño has adversely affected agriculture, with the cultivated area declining from 79.49 lakh acres during the corresponding period last year to 74.56 lakh acres this year. The report recommended promoting alternative crops such as pulses, oilseeds, millets and vegetables through village-level contingency plans. It also proposed 75% subsidy on seeds, fresh crop loans, 75–90% subsidy for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, uninterrupted power supply for irrigation, subsidised fodder seeds, scientific support from agricultural universities, better transport for vegetables to Rythu Bazaars around Hyderabad, financial assistance for dairy units and village-level monitoring teams to oversee emergency agricultural measures.