HORTICULTURE IN TELANGANA
6
2017
HORTICULTURE IN TELANGANA
Vegetable production plan based on market arrivals of last five years, for availability of vegetables round the year. Transfer of technology and ensuring adoption of technology by farmer. Strengthening of Vegetable Value chain creating Marketing linkages in 3 districts i. e. Mahbubnagar, Medak & Ranga Reddy which are main feeders of Hyderabad Market.
Enhancement of production & productivity by adopting best innovative practices Micro Irrigation Project( MIP), a unique and comprehensive project, launched in November 2003 with an objective of enhancing the crop productivity by improving the water use efficiency, Fertilizer, Labour efficiency etc., through Micro Irrigation Systems. So far in Telangana 5.01 lakh of farmers covered with an area of 4.79 lakh ha by utilizing Rs. 2074.72 crores up to 2013-14.
Presently 10.06 lakh ha potential area is available for micro irrigation in Telangana State. During the year 2014-15 Micro Irrigation programme was implemented with 55,630 ha( Drip-39,700 ha, Sprinkler – 15,930 ha) in state.
In an interview with the Commissioner of Horticulture Sri Venkatarami Reddy says that the horticulture department of Telangana is progressing in achievement of green belt in Telangana. It is the vision of the Hon. Chief Minister Sri Chandrasekhar Rao with the project of Haritha Haaram to covert Telangana to a green rich state. The department is encouraging citizens’ participation in improving the green cover which will serve several purposes. One, is that growing vegetables on the rooftop, balcony or backyard garden will help meet the demand in the city with the additional advantage of people getting organic vegetables at a much lesser cost than in the market.”. Sri Venkatarami Reddy further adds“ at least 15000 acres of land is brought under horticulture every year, where nearly 60 lakh saplings of fruit bearing plants such as Mango, guava, citrus fruits, pomegranate, pears etc. are being planted. Sericulture gardening, flower gardening is also promoted as this helps the farmers to have a sustainable living and helps in creating a good oxygenated environment.” Presently the oxygen cover is comparatively less in Hyderabad. Considering the fact the Horticulture department is encouraging citizen to grow gardens, plants in and around buildings, vertical gardens, roof top gardens which will promote greenery as well as oxygen levels in the air, giving more lung space for pure air. Presently there are 10 lakh acres under the horticulture cover of all types of plants such as fruit bearing, vegetable and flowers etc. Vacant lands have adopted to develope agro forestry with plants such as palm trees, Indian date( eeta chettu) neem, eucalyptus, mulberry, etc. The Horticulture department is working in association with NREGA, Haritha Haaram projects in building the green cover of the state” Plans for 2017“ The Horticulture Department has raised 50 lakh seed saplings in 20 nursery under the department. The department is planning to utilize the seed saplings of various plants, this year2017 and also developing public gardens in Twin cities, in the state, is the second target of the department to increase lung space and beautification in the state.” concluded sri Venkatarami Reddy.