Telanganas’ farmer-friendly policies impressive, say Tamil Nadu farmers

Hyderabad: Impressed by Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, Rythu Vedika, 24 hours free power supply and Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, a group of Tamil Nadu farmers who visited the State said they would appeal to their government to emulate the programmes. “The list of Telangana’s farmer-friendly initiatives is very impressive. It is not just about […]

Hyderabad: Impressed by Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, Rythu Vedika, 24 hours free power supply and Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, a group of Tamil Nadu farmers who visited the State said they would appeal to their government to emulate the programmes.

“The list of Telangana’s farmer-friendly initiatives is very impressive. It is not just about a region or a particular party but it is about the welfare of farming community,” said Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association General Secretary Muthu Viswanathan.

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Using advanced technology and equipment, Kaleshwaram project was completed in about three years. In Tamil Nadu, as part of the Parambikulam Aliyar Project, two dams were proposed on rivers Anamalayar and Nallaru five decades ago but there are yet to be constructed due to various reasons, he said.

The group , at the invitation of Telangana Turmeric Farmers Association, visited Kaleshwaram project on a two-day study tour. They shared their views with mediapersons here on Tuesday.

During their two-day tour, the Tamil Nadu farmers visited Lakshmi barrage, Medigadda and Mallanna Sagar project.

Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association Propaganda Secretary V Siva Kumar said the Rythu Bandhu scheme of extending Rs.10,000 investment assistance per acre to farmers was phenomenal.

“Such assistance is being extended in some European countries. Taking a cue from Telangana, the BJP government at the Centre is emulating the scheme. However, the Central financial assistance is far lower than what is being given in Telangana,” he said.

“We will appeal to the Tamil Nadu government to implement Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bima programmes as they will benefit the farmers in multiple ways,” said Siva Kumar.

Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association Districts Secretary N Kalimuthu said one should not look at Kaleshwaram just as an engineering marvel. “Apart from catering to irrigation requirements, it has improve groundwater table and given a boost to rural economy and farmers’ self-respect,’ he said

The other inspiring initiative of Telangana government was promotion of oil palm cultivation. Besides, improving groundwater table, oil palm cultivation will increase farmers’ income and generate more employment, he pointed out.

Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association Coimbatore unit Secretary Mandarachalam said the Rythu Bima scheme, which provides insurance coverage in case of farmers’ death. was remarkable.

Apart from completing Kaleshwaram and other heavy irrigation projects, Telangana was according top priority in funds allocation to agriculture and allied sector in the State budget. These initiatives were need of the hour to save farming community from falling into the clutches of corporate companies, he stressed.

Telangana Turmeric Farmers Association president K Narasimham Naidu said the idea behind inviting farmers from other States was to educate ryots on the welfare and development programmes in Telangana and learn from their experiences.

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