Uttam Kumar said, citing KCR-led government’s expenditure of over Rs 1 lakh crore on the Kaleshwaram project, the Congress government’s focus is on practical solutions and tangible results

Hyderabad: Telangana Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday announced that the government will be waiving off crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh by August 15.

He was speaking at a ceremony where TPCC Kishan Cell president S Anvesh Reddy assumed office as the Chairman of Telangana State Seeds Development Corporation Ltd (TGSDCL).

Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the process of waiving crop loans has been initiated, and as announced by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the loans will be waived off by that date.

The Irrigation Minister further said that the government has decided to complete all pending irrigation projects with minimal investment. He criticised the previous BRS regime for spending public money on the redesigning and renaming of irrigation projects, which did not benefit the farmers. Citing KCR-led government’s expenditure of over Rs 1 lakh crore on the Kaleshwaram project, he said that the Congress government’s focus is on practical solutions and tangible results.

Congratulating Anvesh Reddy on his appointment, Uttam Kumar expressed hope that the TGSDCL would become a robust institution ensuring quality seeds for farmers. He criticised the previous BRS regime for not controlling the spread of fake seeds, which caused significant losses to farmers. “Besides providing investment support through Rythu Bharosa, the Congress Government will ensure the timely supply of quality seeds and fertilisers to all farmers across Telangana,” he assured. Warning intermediaries and traders against purchasing agricultural products below the MSP, he said that the government plans to procure all produce from farmers at the minimum support price.

“Nearly 70 per cent of Telangana’s population depends on agriculture and allied activities, making agriculture a priority for our Government in Telangana. The government, led by Chief Minister, aims to turn agriculture into a profitable venture,” he added.

In addition to mechanising farm activities, the minister advocated for using technology and artificial intelligence to improve and increase agricultural yield. He informed that several important issues, including the crop loan waiver scheme would be discussed in the forthcoming Assembly session.