Hyderabad: IT and Industries Minister K Tarakarama Rao launched the Kaleshwaram Package-27 (Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Lift Irrigation Scheme) and laid the foundation stone for a palm oil industry in Nirmal constituency.
The Kaleshwaram Package-27 is a Rs. 714 crore project that aims to irrigate 50,000 acres of land in Nirmal constituency. The palm oil industry will be built with an investment of Rs. 300 crore.
Speaking at the event, KTR said that Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is the “Rythu Rakshana Kavacham” (protector of farmers). He praised KCR for his vision and leadership in transforming Telangana into an agricultural powerhouse.
KTR said that the SSRSP (Sriram Sagar Right Bank Canal) used to dry up in the past, but thanks to KCR’s reverse pumping initiative, it is now full. He also credited KCR for providing 24-hour electricity to farmers and launching the Rythu Bima scheme to support farmers’ families.
He said that India imports 75% of its palm oil requirement. He said that the Telangana government is promoting oil palm cultivation to reduce India’s dependence on imports and to provide additional income to farmers.
KTR said that the palm oil industry in Nirmal will provide employment opportunities to local youth. He also said that the industry will buy and process oil palm crops grown by farmers in Nirmal, Adilabad, Nizamabad, and Sircilla districts.
The Minister said that the palm oil industry will offer a guaranteed price to farmers for their crops for 35 years. He also said that farmers can earn up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per acre per year from oil palm cultivation.KTR said that agriculture has become a festival in Telangana thanks to the visionary leadership of KCR. (INN)