Hyderabad: Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatraya said that the Central Government is ready to help the distresses farmers in the Telangana State.
Dattatreya made this statement in a press conference after holding a review meeting with State Agriculture Minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Panchayat Raj Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and officials of various departments at ESIC Regional Office, Adarsh Nagar on Saturday.
Dattatreya informed that he would discuss with Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on the state farmers issues. “Mainly, I will apprise on the plights of the Turmeric and red Chilli farmers in the state.
Earlier, the rate of Red Chilli was at Rs. 14,000 (Per Quintal), but now it has been reduced to Rs.4, 000 due to various reasons. I have asked the State Agriculture Minister to send detailed report on this,” said Dattatreya.
Explaining on the welfare and development steps being taken by the Centre, Dattatreya said that centre has allotted Rs. 52, 000 Crore to implement 51-schemes for the farmers in this budget. 2, 34,000 farmers were benefitted during 2016-17 from PM Fasal Bhima Yojana, he said.
The Centre has sanctioned 600 soil testing facilities as the Telangana State government requested for 1000. He also informed that 1,51,000 Metric Tonnes of pulses were procured through NAFED. Around Rs. 1029 crore allotted for this procurement, he said.
Dattatreya also said that e-NAM is helpful for the farmers to get better price for their farm products.
Officers from Telangana State Agriculture Department, NABARD, FCI, MARKFED and NAFED participated in the review meeting. (INN)