HYDERABAD, JULY 15 : Telangana Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated that the Congress Government in Telangana will waive crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh by August 15.

He made these remarks during the ceremony where TPCC Kishan Cell President S Anvesh Reddy assumed office as the Chairman of the Telangana State Seeds Development Corporation Limited on Monday.

Reddy emphasized that the Congress Government is committed to waiving crop loans in a single installment to relieve farmers from debt burdens, enabling them to use their incomes for economic growth. He stated that the process of waiving crop loans has already been initiated, and as announced by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, the crop loans will be waived off by August 15.

The Irrigation Minister highlighted that the Congress Government is implementing various schemes aimed at the economic empowerment of farmers. He mentioned the launch of the Rythu Bharosa scheme immediately after taking office in December 2023, which provides investment support of Rs 15,000 per acre per annum to all farmers.

Reddy said that the Congress Government has decided to complete all pending irrigation projects with minimal investment to increase the ayacut. He criticized the previous BRS regime for wasting public money on redesigning and renaming irrigation projects, which did not benefit farmers. He cited the KCR Government’s expenditure of over Rs 1 lakh crore on the Kaleshwaram project, which failed to irrigate even one lakh acres of land. He emphasized that the Congress Government focuses on practical solutions and tangible results instead of creating hype.

Congratulating Anvesh Reddy on his appointment, Reddy expressed hope that the Telangana State Seeds Development Corporation would become a robust institution ensuring quality seeds for farmers. He criticized the previous BRS regime for not controlling the spread of fake seeds, which caused significant losses to farmers. Under the Congress regime, stringent measures have been implemented to eradicate the menace of counterfeit seeds and fertilizers.

“Besides providing investment support through Rythu Bharosa, the Congress Government will ensure the timely supply of quality seeds and fertilizers to all farmers across Telangana,” he assured. Further, he said that the government plans to procure all produce from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), warning intermediaries and traders against purchasing agricultural products below the MSP.

Reddy noted that nearly 70 percent of Telangana’s population depends on agriculture and allied activities, making agriculture a priority for the Congress Government in Telangana. The government, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, aims to turn agriculture into a profitable venture.

In addition to mechanizing farm activities, the Minister advocated for using technology and Artificial Intelligence to improve and increase agricultural yield. He said efforts are also underway to ensure that farmers receive all necessary facilities without any issues.

Reddy informed that several important issues, including the crop loan waiver scheme, will be discussed in the coming Assembly session.(UNI)