Bhadadri-Kothagudem: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao underscored the critical need for increased agricultural research to benefit farmers during the golden jubilee celebrations of Prof Jayashankar Agriculture College in Ashwaraopeta on Saturday.
Launching the celebrations, Rao emphasised that agricultural organisations and colleges must prioritise research to develop better cultivation methods and high-yield seeds. "Research should not only focus on educating students but also on finding innovative ways to improve crop productivity and farmers' income," he said.
Rao highlighted the importance of establishing food processing units to add value to farmers' produce, particularly horticultural crops. He proudly noted that Telangana leads the nation in paddy production and announced that the state government is providing a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for fine rice paddy to encourage farmers to cultivate this staple crop.
"Agriculture colleges should expand their roles beyond education by implementing research-oriented programmes that directly benefit our farmers," Rao added. He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector through various initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and profitability.
Ashwaraopeta MLA, Adinarayana Jare, expressed his support for the minister's vision, stating, "I have requested the state government to establish an agriculture research center in our Assembly constituency to further bolster our agricultural advancements."
Rahu, project officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency, addressed the challenges faced by local farmers, noting a decline in crop cultivation areas year after year. "There is a growing demand for millets and organic products in the market. I urge farmers to shift towards cultivating profitable and sustainable crops to meet this demand and improve their livelihoods," he advised.
The event concluded with a call to action for both farmers and agricultural institutions to collaborate closely in research and development efforts. By fostering innovation and adopting modern agricultural practices, the Congress government aims to transform Telangana into a model state for agricultural excellence and farmer prosperity.
