Warangal: Farmers adopting modern methods

WARANGAL: Farmers in Eturnagaram are slowly adopting the latest machinery and methods in the field to improve production.

With the help of Agriculture Technology Management agency (ATMA) and New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation (NREDCAP), they have started using solar powered equipments like sprayers, lanterns and solar fencing. These are being provided to the farmers at subsidised rates.

Chairman of ATMA, Eturnagaram division, Nasireddy Sambashiva Reddy said the farmers are  showing interest in solar equipments that help save power and give good results.

“By using solar powered sprayers there will not be any environmental pollution or air pollution. Previously, farmers used fuel to power these sprayers but now the solar sprayers help them save a lot of money. They have to walk to their farms at night to turn on the water pumps. As there will not be any lights in the place, they are buying solar charged lanterns. So far, about 300 farmers have procured these lanterns,” he said.

The solar sprayers would cost about Rs 8000 to Rs 10,000 in the market but NREDCAP is providing them at a subsidised price of Rs 5000. The lanterns cost the farmers just Rs 50. Some of the farmers have also arranged solar fencing for their farms to keep the crop safe from animals. The fence produces electricity when touched but does not harm the animals.

Mr. Sambashiva Reddy said ATMA is taking up the initiative to create awareness among the villagers about the uses of solar equipments in Eturnagaram, Mangapet, Tadvai and Govindaraopet mandals. Farmers are also showing interest to buy solar powered water pumps, he said.