2,596 Rythu Vedikas constructed so far in Telangana, says Niranjan

He stated that the Rythu Vedikas will serve as platforms for farmers to discuss their crops, exchange and undergo training for modern agricultural practices, and also create awareness through agriculture and allied departments.

Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy on Thursday said the State government completed construction of 2,596 of the proposed 2,601 Rythu Vedikas across the State at an expenditure of Rs 572.22 crore. He stated that the Rythu Vedikas will serve as platforms for farmers to discuss their crops, exchange and undergo training for modern agricultural practices, and also create awareness through agriculture and allied departments.

“The Rythu Vedikas are all set to change the fate of farmers in the State forever. Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has done something that is nowhere to be found in the world. Rythu Bandhu Samithis have been formed for every cluster of 5,000 acres each to strengthen the farmers’ network,” he said. The Minister said several Ministers including KT Rama Rao, A Indrakaran Reddy, Vemula Prashanth Reddy and P Ajay Kumar and philanthropists spent their personal earnings and constructed 22 Rythu Vedikas in the State.

Responding to questions raised in the Assembly, the Minister said the Rythu Vedikas are useful for farmers to get a comprehensive understanding of new varieties, new cultivation methods, farmers’ success stories and agriculture allied sectors. He entrusted the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the Rythu Vedikas to the gram panchayats towards which the government is spending Rs 8,000 per month. He emphasised the need to look at the national and international markets to guide farmers towards the cultivation of new and profitable crops.

In response to a question, Niranjan Reddy said the State government was keen on promoting research and strengthen the agriculture sector. He emphasised the need for promoting the establishment of research centres for lentils, groundnut, cotton and chillies. He said the issue of Chilli Research Centre was under consideration and the Warangal Rural district Collector had initiated the process of transferring the land meant for setting up the research centre.