CM advises farmers to switch technology

MAHABUBNAGAR: Chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday urged farmers to break away from traditional ways of farming and adopt scientific methods to get better yields in the ensuing kharif season. He also wanted them to adopt allied activities to improve their livelihoods. Addressing farmers after inaugurating the Rythu Chaitanya Yatra at MVS Boys Degree College in Mahbubnagar, the chief minister said such yatras have been planned in about 55,000 villages with a view to making farmers aware of the latest technologies available.Claiming that his government is the most farmer-friendly regime seen in the state, he reiterated the state government's commitment to agriculture. He pointed out the government has sanctioned a whopping Rs 4,900 crore for farmer welfare in the form of insurance, input subsidy and interest waiver. Banks have been asked to increase the loan component per acre to farmers to factor in the increase in the rise in the cost of farming.The chief minister hoped that the Centre would soon give the national project status to the Pranahita-Chevella project by virtue of which 90 per cent of the funding for it would be borne by the central government as against 57 per cent at present.Agriculture minister K Laxminarayana pointed out that usage of fertilisers has gone up in the recent past which, however, was affecting fertility. He asked farmers to take the guidance of farm scientists who will be touring villages during the Rhythu Chaitanya Yatra. Information and public relations minister D K Aruna asked the officials to ensure supply of seeds and fertilizers to farmers in advance for the ensuing kharif. She asked farmers to make use of farm implements which are extended on 50 percent subsidy.Earlier, the chief minister unfurled the foundation to a road widening project from Mahbubnagar to Bhoothpur at a cost of Rs 32 crore, upgradation of district hospital capacity from 250 beds to 350 besides laying the foundation stone for construction of a Zilla Mahila Samakhya Building worth Rs 2 crore.