Hyderabad: IT Minister K. Tarakarama Rao said that farmers have proved that irrigation could do miracles.
He said that Telangana has made progress in a short period of time and a revolution has been achieved in providing water resources. Surplus electricity has been achieved within a short period of time.
Minister KTR inaugurated the manufacturing industry of ITC products set up with an investment of Rs. 450 crores in Manoharabad, Medak district. Speaking on this occasion, he said that ITC’s largest paper mill was in Telangana. ITC Chairman Sanjeevpuri praised the industrial policies of Telangana. He informed that wheat flour, chips, biscuits and noodles were being made in this plant.
KTR said, “We have achieved a revolution in water resources. Kaleshwaram, the world’s largest lift irrigation project, was completed within four years. 10 TMC of Kaleshwaram water is being provided to industries. Telangana is the only state in the country which provides fresh water to every house.”
He said that 46,000 water bodies have been rejuvenated as part of Mission Kakatiya, which has made agricultural stabilization and cultivation possible. He said that the cultivated area was doubled with irrigation projects. After the formation of Telangana, the number of sheep and goats doubled.
Minister KTR said plans have been made for oil palm cultivation on 20 lakh acres in the next five years. He said that the government aimed to reduce the import of oil from abroad. If ITC is interested, it is suggested to set up an oil palm factory. He asked to take over the Rayons factory in Kamalapuram, Mulugu district. He said that due to the industries, the locals will get a large number of jobs and employment opportunities. All kinds of cooperation will be provided on behalf of the state government, he assured.KTR urged that the management of ITC take steps to provide employment opportunities to the locals, he said. He requested that ITC provide support in the field of health and education locally and buy raw materials from local farmers. He said that it is everyone’s responsibility to support those who have lost their land. (INN)