Sitarama project to boost irrigation in Nalgonda: Minister

Khammam: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao announced on Thursday that all 10 Assembly constituencies in the former Nalgonda district will get better irrigation facilities upon the completion of the Sitarama project, which is progressing rapidly.

Accompanied by Sathupally MLA Matta Ragamayee, Rao inaugurated the Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society (PACS) building and its godown in Nuthankal, Thallada mandal.

During his speech, Rao said his long-standing aspiration to secure irrigation from the Godavari River for the district has been fulfilled. He said that both Sathupalli and Wyra Assembly constituencies will benefit from Godavari water through the Sitarama project within a year. Additionally, he noted that the 10 Assembly constituencies in the erstwhile Khammam district receive irrigation from Sitarama Projects, especially when water levels in the Nagarjunasagar project are low. Rao emphasised that similar to the lift irrigation schemes that utilise the left canal of NSP to serve tail-end areas, the Sitarama project was also meticulously designed to ensure comprehensive irrigation coverage.

Addressing financial relief for farmers, Rao announced that the state government has waived crop loans up to ₹2 lakh despite ongoing financial challenges. He expressed confidence in the state’s ability to overcome economic hurdles, reaffirming the Congress government’s commitment to fulfilling all promises to farmers, including the Rythu Bharosa initiative. Rao detailed that a crop insurance scheme will be launched from the kharif season, covering all crops. In cases of reduced yields or crop damage, insurance companies will compensate for the losses.

Further, Rao encouraged farmers to transition from paddy cultivation to alternative crops to increase their income. He assured that the state government is prepared to provide godowns and agricultural tools to farmers through PACS, supporting them in adopting more profitable agricultural practices.