Telangana: 156 AEOs suspended, move likely to spark protests

The suspension of 150 Agriculture Extension Officers for not participating in the Digital Crop Survey has prompted the AEOs to gear up for protests, condemning the decision and alleging harassment by higher officials

Hyderabad: In a surprising move, 156 Grade II Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) have been suspended for their non-participation in the Central government-sponsored Digital Crop Survey. This disciplinary action has prompted the AEOs to gear up for protests, condemning the decision and alleging harassment by higher officials.

The suspension orders, issued by the Director of Agriculture late on Monday night, were communicated to the respective District Agriculture Officers. Official records cite the officers’ failure to perform their legitimate duties, such as recording farmer deaths per the Rythu Bhima scheme guidelines.

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However, the AEOs argue that their inability to conduct the survey stemmed from insufficient staffing and an excessive workload, given their extensive field duties.

The Digital Crop Survey, part of the ‘Digital Agri Mission,’ aims to gather comprehensive data on crop patterns across the country. The survey remained a non starter for lack of participation by the AEOs in Telangana, one of 12 states where the scheme is being implemented in its first phase.

AEOs, tasked with surveying 5,000 acres each, have expressed frustration over the increased workload, already burdened with 49 tasks ranging from soil tests to the Rythu Bhima scheme. They plan to protest the suspensions and demand fair treatment from the department. Further disciplinary actions against more AEOs are anticipated unless they comply with the survey requirements.

In Nagarkurnool district alone, four AEOs—Palakur Suresh, Artham Raj Kumar, Jakkam Raviteja, and Md Muntaj—were suspended on Tuesday, sparking further controversy and raising questions about the Agriculture Department’s priorities.

The suspensions have garnered condemnation from the BRS and other organisations, highlighting the urgent need to address the challenges faced by AEOs and ensure a balanced approach to implementing government initiatives.

Former Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy has condemned the suspension of Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) for not being able to participate in the Digital Crop Survey. He criticised the government for harassing AEOs under the guise of the survey.

Reddy questioned why AEOs were being burdened with the survey in Telangana when, in neighboring states, agencies and other departments are conducting the survey with central government funds. He highlighted that during the BRS government’s tenure, AEOs were appointed to benefit farmers, with one AEO assigned for every 5,000 acres. Additionally, 1,500 new AEO posts were created, and 2,601 Rythu Vedikas were established.

He emphasised the crucial role of AEOs in agricultural expansion, increasing crop yields, and transforming Telangana into a food surplus state.