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

HYDERABAD

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed the concerned officials to educate farmers about focusing on less water-intensive crops as below normal rainfall is forecast for the current monsoon season.

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Officials should explain the importance of crop diversification among farmers in view of the emerging situation. The Chief Minister enquired about the ongoing works on the maintenance of irrigation projects and asked officials to complete the works, including those pertaining to project gates, on a war footing.

He directed the officials to take steps to immediately release the funds required for maintenance of the projects. Officials could also utilise the ₹1,000 crore funds with the Revenue Disaster Management department, subject to strict adherence to rules. Special focus should be on the immediate release of funds for damaged roads and bridges, so that they can be renovated and restored without delays.

Mr. Reddy instructed the officials concerned to immediately respond to incidents of loss of life, property, and cattle in the event of calamities. Agriculture department officials made a PowerPoint presentation on the availability of seeds and fertilisers for the kharif season. He wanted a communication to be addressed to the Central Government seeking the allocation of entire quantum of fertiliser manufactured in the Ramagundam fertilisers unit to Telangana.

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