Telangana State Gears Up for Kharif 2023 with Enhanced Preparedness and Implementation of Central Schemes

In a recent review meeting chaired by Dr Yogita Rana, Joint Secretary (INM), MoAFW, GoI, and Shri M Raghunandan Rao, APC & Secretary, A&C Department, Govt of Telangana, the seasonal conditions and preparedness for Kharif activities were discussed in detail. The meeting also focused on reviewing the implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Central Sector Schemes in Agriculture, with the presence of all the concerned scheme nodal officers of the state.

During the meeting, Shri M Raghunandan Rao presented a detailed analysis of the current seasonal conditions in Telangana, emphasizing the measures taken for Kharif preparedness and drought mitigation. Key highlights of the presentation included an increase in the gross cropped area of Telangana from 129.04 lakh acres in 2014-15 to 232.58 lakh acres in 2022-23, with a significant rise in the paddy sown area from 22.74 lakh acres in 2014 Kharif to 64.99 lakh acres in 2022 Kharif.

The availability of seeds and fertilizers was reported to be contented, supported by over 950 functioning Agro Rythu Seva Kendras (ARSKs) for the supply of agriculture inputs. Initiatives such as promoting Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Nano Urea, split application of Urea, and green manure were highlighted to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers through Rythu Vedikas. Mass awareness campaigns on Nano Urea were also discussed to engage all stakeholders.

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Regarding rainfall, the state currently faces a 24% deficit, and measures for drought preparedness are being undertaken. District-wise crop contingency plans have been prepared in collaboration with CRIDA, Hyderabad, while alternate crops have been identified in case of delayed rain.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted normal rainfall till August, and this scenario is expected to continue into September 2023. As of July 12, 2023, 42.76 lakh acres of land have been sown, with cotton covering 31.88 lakh acres (compared to the normal area of 45 lakh acres) and soybean covering 3.19 lakh acres (compared to the normal area of 4 lakh acres). While the sowing window for cotton extends until July 20, 2023, other crops have a sowing window until August 15, 2023.

Telangana state has performed exceptionally well in implementing the Per Drop More Crop scheme, providing a subsidy of 187.98 Cr and bringing 1,01,713 acres of land under irrigation in the year 2022-23. The state has also requested the Government of India (GOI) to address issues related to PM Kisan, Price Support Scheme, and FPOs, for which necessary action will be initiated upon receiving official request letters.

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Dr Yogita Rana, Joint Secretary, GoI, reviewed the status of implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, urging state department officials to submit Utilization Certificates promptly for the expenditure incurred. She appreciated Telangana State's integration of IT in agriculture and acknowledged the state's achievements and best practices, particularly highlighting the Crop Booking Enhancement system for monitoring crop data and the Online License Management System (OLMS) for fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides. She also suggested the department consider a seed contingency plan to limit the movement of seeds to other states due to the rainfall deficit.

The meeting concluded with Sri M Raghunandan Rao extending thanks to Dr Yogita Rana and all the officials who participated, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the discussion.

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