Telangana can emerge as major horticulture hub, says SKLTGHU VC

Telangana has the potential to become a major horticulture hub due to favourable climate and resources, said SKLTGHU Vice Chancellor Dr D Raji Reddy. He stressed crop diversification, mechanised farming and organic inputs to boost farmers’ income

Hyderabad: Telangana has favourable conditions and adequate resources to emerge as a major horticulture hub in the future, said Dr D Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTGHU).

Participating in the research and extension council meeting organised by the university here on Friday, Dr Reddy expressed optimism that Telangana would grow into a horticulture hub, noting that the southern Indian states possess a conducive climate for the cultivation and expansion of horticultural crops.

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He emphasised that enhancing crop diversification, specifically by identifying suitable alternatives to paddy and cotton, and boosting income avenues for farmers can be achieved primarily through the horticulture sector.

The SKLTGHU Vice Chancellor said that in light of the prevailing labour shortage, efforts were being made to undertake intensive research on mechanised horticulture farming.

He highlighted the need to increase the availability of bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides, noting that this would lay the foundation for the wider adoption of organic farming.

He pointed out that significant increases in yields for horticultural crops can be achieved through the judicious application of micronutrients.

Former VC Dr SD Shikamani, Director, Seed Certification Authority A Kiran Kumar, and Board member Pankaj Reddy, among others, also participated in the meeting.