Hyderabad: Chief Secretary SK Joshi today instructed the officials concerned to prepare a five year action plan to increase agriculture production and productivity based on agriculture lands available in the State. The plan has to increase the revenue of the farmers and give value addition to their crops he said.
The Chief Secretary conducted a review meeting at Secretariat here and sought a detailed plan for the next five years by fixing targets. He said the State has 59.67 lakh hectares of farm land and steps have to be taken to use quality seeds, reduce the use of urea and other fertilisers, increase productivity, encourage organic farming and finally help get more benefits to the farmers, he said.
Based on this data and information, the officials have to prepare an action plan for promotion of agriculture and to increase productivity to reap more benefits by slashing investment costs. Stating that 17.59 lakh acres brought under micro irrigation so far, he asked the agriculture officials to prepare plan for next five years. He informed that 55 lakh soil testing cards were given to the farmers, he directed the officials to provide necessary guidance and instructions to the farmers for assorted type of crops to be sown.
Provide training to AEOs and help farmers educate on soil tests, seeds, fertilisers, micro irrigation and precautions, he said and stressed the need for better campaign on organic farming and encourage the farmers with necessary help. Special report should be made for promotion of oil palm, sericulture and action plan on horticulture and nurseries and a focus on green house, poly house, drip, sprinkler, vegetable and fruits cultivation. He said that 320 godowns were constructed to preserve 16 lakh metric tons of farm produce and for marketing and build new godowns wherever necessary on priority basis.
Give more publicity to Rythu Bandhu and offer loans through Marketing department, prepare details of rythu bazaar turnover, transactions and submit a report on e-services in marketing wing, he asked the officials concerned. He also discussed on ENAM implementation, facilities, PACs functioning, computerisation, procurement of farm produce. (NSS)
