Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy said that considering the well-being of farmers, the Center should change its approach and take responsibility for ensuring rational cultivation of crops in addition to encouraging the cultivation of pulses. and oilseeds.
The state government was widely promoting organic farming and appropriate action was being taken accordingly, he said during Question Time at the Legislative Council on Thursday. The minister said that after 1967 the use of fertilizers and chemicals in crops began in the country. The introduction of fertilizers was mainly used to increase production in order to meet demand in the country, he explained.
Before 1967, compost from cattle, goats, sheep, green manure and leaves was used as a fertilizer in traditional agriculture. Many thought organic farming was a new farming practice, but it isn’t, he said, adding that the state government has banned the use of the herbicide glyphosate. He said many people are now showing an interest in rooftop gardening and the horticulture department is encouraging it across the state. Elected public representatives should promote them widely, he said.
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As calls were made to eliminate the use of fertilizers and chemicals, many had the false impression that there was a shortage of fertilizers, the minister said. Farmers must have a full understanding of farming practices. In the international market, there is a strong demand for agricultural products that do not contain residues of chemicals and fertilizers, he explained. To instill confidence in organic farming in farmers, central and state governments should work in coordination. Cuba is the best in the world when it comes to organic farming, while Sikkim was the leader in the country, he informed.
MSP is the central responsibility
The agriculture minister said extending the minimum support price was the responsibility of the central government. Center announces MSP for 29 crop varieties in the country. The state government fixed Rythu Vedikas for a group of 5,000 acres and in Nalgonda there was a group for 8,000 acres. The state government will undertake the rationalization of Rythu Vedikas shortly, he added.
Protem president impressed with response
President of the Legislative Council Protem V Bhupal Reddy was impressed with Niranjan Reddy’s response to members’ question on organic farming. “The answer was given with full understanding on the subject. Awareness courses should be organized for MPs and MLCs to encourage farmers to get into organic farming, â€said Bhupal Reddy. He hoped the Minister would take the Council members to ICRISAT during his visit and the Minister responded positively.
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