CM Revanth Reddy for crop diversification, as below normal rainfall is forecast

HYDERABAD

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed officials concerned to educate farmers to focus on crops that require less water as below normal rainfall is expected in the current monsoon season.

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Authorities should explain the importance of crop diversification among farmers in response to the emerging situation. The Prime Minister asked about the ongoing work related to the maintenance of irrigation projects and asked the officials to complete the works, including those related to the project gates, on a war footing.

He instructed the officials to take necessary steps for immediate release of funds required for maintenance of the projects. The authorities will also be able to use the Rs 1,000-crore fund in conjunction with the Revenue Disaster Management department, provided the rules are strictly adhered to. Particular focus should be placed on the immediate release of funds for damaged roads and bridges, so that they can be replaced and repaired without delay.

Mr. Reddy instructed the authorities concerned to immediately respond to cases of loss of life, property and cattle in case of disaster. Agriculture ministry officials made a PowerPoint presentation on the availability of seeds and fertilizers for the kharif season. He asked for a communication to be sent to the Central Government requesting that the entire amount of fertilizer produced in the Ramagundam fertilizer unit be allocated to Telangana.

A PowerPoint presentation made by the officials on normal rainfall during the monsoon season, the impact of El Niño and other issues was shown to the Prime Minister.