The once barren lands of Telangana have been transformed into fertile grounds thanks to the efforts of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao. The state has now become a major food provider for the country.
Under KCR’s leadership, the agriculture sector in Telangana has seen significant growth. Initiatives such as welfare programs for farmers, improved irrigation facilities, and increased procurement of food grains have contributed to this success. The previously barren lands are now flourishing with water and green crops.
KCR, who is both a leader of the separatist movement and a farmer himself, recognized the discrimination and challenges faced by Telangana farmers under the previous Andhra Pradesh rule. To revive the agriculture sector, it was crucial to provide proper irrigation facilities and make full use of the Godavari and Krishna waters allocated to Telangana. As a result, massive irrigation projects were undertaken, costing Rs 1.59 lakh crore over nine years.
Notable projects include the completion of the Kaleshwaram project and the restoration of lakes from the Kakatiya era through the Mission Kakatiya initiative, which utilized Rs 5,249 crore. These efforts have led to a significant increase in cultivated land, from 31 lakh acres in 2014 to a projected 2.20 lakh acres by 2022-23. Grain production has also soared from 68 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to an impressive 2.70 crore tonnes by 2022-23.
The government has taken additional measures to support farmers, such as providing free power worth Rs 10,500 crore annually. Financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per acre has been offered to farmers through the Rythu Bandhu program, amounting to a total expenditure of Rs 65,190 crore over 10 installments. Furthermore, loans worth Rs 17,35,147 crore have been waived in two installments, and farmers have received compensation of Rs 5,40,255 crore under the Rythu Bheema scheme.
Overall, the agricultural sector in Telangana has experienced significant growth and support under the leadership of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao. The once barren lands have been transformed into thriving agricultural areas, contributing to the state’s position as a major food provider for the country.
