Telangana, Iowa to collaborate in agri, allied sectors

Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy, who is currently on a visit to the United States, met with Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg on his first day in the capital city of Des Moines.

Hyderabad:Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy revealed the Telangana government’s ambition to elevate agriculture to an industry-level and make it globally competitive. He emphasised the need for creating a progressive environment by encouraging extensive mechanisation, to promote agriculture as a remunerative profession for the future generations.

An official delegation led by Niranjan Reddy is on a study tour to the United States for examination of modern cultivation techniques. The Minister held meetings with Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and officials at Iowa State University on the first day, followed by a visit to Long View Farm, a large agricultural establishment in Iowa.

---

Drawing parallels between the US and Indian agriculture systems, Niranjan Reddy observed there was an extensive mechanisation in the farm sector in the US due to high demand and labour scarcity. He pointed out the distinct government incentives and reduced farmer reliance on government support in the US due to increased corporatisation.

The Minister suggested for farmer cooperatives extending mechanisation’s benefits to farmers of Telangana who largely have small landholdings. He underscored the strength of cooperative forces in surpassing corporate entities, citing successful models from Maharashtra sugarcane farmers and Telangana dairy farmers.

Considering mechanisation’s role, Niranjan Reddy proposed discussions on liberalising agriculture for accessible machinery rental in villages. He said Telangana is actively planning for extensive mechanisation. The delegation also attended the Farm Progress Show in Illinois, the world’s largest agricultural exhibition. The goal is to expose Telangana farmers to global advancements in agricultural science and technology.

Following his meeting with Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg earlier on Tuesday, Niranjan Reddy called for mutual cooperation between Telangana and Iowa State in the US as the two States have several similarities, including their focus on production of foodgrains, poultry and meat. During the meeting, he explained the progress made by Telangana in nine years, particularly in the agriculture and allied sectors.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig expressed his intention to visit Telangana soon to witness its progress firsthand. He sought insights into Telangana’s agricultural development measures. At Iowa State University, Minister Niranjan Reddy discussed potential student and faculty exchange programmes and research collaborations between Iowa State University and Prof. Jayashankar Agricultural University in Telangana.