Telangana to grow, sell organic spices, vegetables

Hyderabad: The Telangana state government will start selling its own brand of organic vegetables, fruits and spices such as turmeric, ginger, red chilli powder. Right now, the government sells milk, milk products and edible oil under the Vijaya brand.

The spices will be sold under the “Telangana” brand and will cost less. A TS Horticulture Corporation will be set up for the purpose. This will protect consumers from the ill-effects of pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits coming from other states.

The TS Cabinet in February had approved setting up the horticulture corporation to encourage organic farming and procure and supply organic vegetables, fruits and spices through rythu bazaars and the marketing department.

Agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy said, "We have identified land at Mulugu in Medak district for setting up the food park. Fruits, vegetables and spices will be processed and packed here."

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had expressed serious concern about the high dose of chemical contamination in fruits and vegetables and had directed ministers and officials to take measures to take up organic production of these commodities.