The Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao, has decided to come out with a separate budget for agriculture sector to lay special thrust on farmers and farm produce which will ensure that they get good prices.

Following a review meeting on farmers’ welfare and agricultural development in the State, the Chief Minister said, “The Government proposes to increase allocation for the agriculture sector given the number of people dependent on it and its impact on the economy. Factoring various aspects, an exclusive budget will be introduced for agriculture.”

He said about 2,500 clusters would be formed with each cluster of 5,000 acres to lay focus on the development of cluster under the guidance of experts.

“We have begun construction of projects to supply water to one crore acre. Under Mission Kakatiya, we are reviving the tanks. We are providing 9 hours power supply to the farmers and we will provide 24 hours power supply in future. We have made farmers debt free by waiving Rs 17,000 of their loans. We are supplying seed and fertilisers on time.”

“We have appointed an agriculture extension officer for every 5,000 acres, while making mandal-level agriculture officer as an agronomist. We are giving Rs 8,000 per acre for two crops as input costs from next year,” he said.

While directing officials to ensure timely supply of seeds, he suggested crackdown on those resorting to sale of spurious seeds.

“It is proposed to set up a cluster per every 5,000 acres this season and 2,500 clusters are planned across the State. And farmers will be advised to opt for the right crop as this would ensure high yields and minimum support price for the crop,” the Chief Minister said.

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