Hyderabad: The Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission has raised concerns over the excessive use of pesticides in the cultivation of brinjal and okra (lady’s finger) in the state. Officials have been instructed to take immediate steps to address this issue.
Chairman of the Commission, M. Kodanda Reddy, highlighted the problem after receiving a report from the Horticulture Department. The report revealed that farmers were using excessive amounts of pesticides, particularly for brinjal and okra. On Monday, he held a meeting with officials at the Farmers’ Commission office to discuss the matter and focus on horticultural crops.
The Commission emphasized the need for regular meetings and awareness programs for farmers growing vegetables across Telangana. “Farmers are using pesticides to speed up production, but this is leading to health issues for both farmers and consumers,” said Kodanda Reddy. He urged officials to promote organic farming as a healthier alternative.
To curb the problem, the Commission suggested encouraging cluster farming, which allows more farmers to benefit from government subsidies. This approach is expected to discourage the overuse of harmful chemicals. Additionally, plans are being made to visit vegetable gardens in districts near Hyderabad and organize face-to-face discussions with farmers.
Kodanda Reddy also stressed the importance of monitoring at all levels. Mandal Agriculture Officers were directed to focus on controlling pesticide misuse, while state and district officials were asked to oversee the situation closely.
