Khammam, Telangana – The government has launched a major new initiative to improve the lives of tribal farmers. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy kicked off the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme on Monday, focusing on transforming tribal farmlands known as podu lands.
Bhadrachalam ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency) received the largest funding under this program. The project begins in Chandrugonda Mandal, with pilot efforts in Bendalapadu and Rayikampadu villages. The goal is to bring 1.96 lakh acres of tribal farmland into cultivation.
Tribal lands often face a lack of electricity and forest clearance issues. This scheme aims to fix that with solar-powered pump sets. Farmers with legal ownership (pattas) of podu lands will receive ₹6 lakh each over five years to install these solar pumps.
Bhadrachalam ITDA, which oversees the largest tribal area in the state, will lead this effort. Many indigenous families here rely on farming but struggle due to poor irrigation. The scheme brings fresh hope to these communities.
In the past, during former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s tenure, some farmers were given land rights. However, most of these lands still lack water access. Now, solar pumps are being tested in several villages, including Bendalapadu and Rayikampadu.
David Raj, Assistant Project Officer at ITDA, confirmed that tribal farmers with recognized land rights will receive full subsidies for the solar pumps.
The project will run in phases between 2025 and 2030. The plan is to develop 6 lakh acres statewide, with 1.96 lakh acres targeted in this district alone. Farmers have already started using solar pumps on a trial basis in select areas.
Here’s how the plan will roll out:
– In 2025-26, around 550 farmers will cultivate 1,516 acres.
– In the following years, this number will increase.
– By the end of the project, about 11,786 farmers will cultivate a total of 27,448 acres.
Each farmer unit is defined as holding 2.5 acres. For those with smaller plots, the government will group them to ensure everyone benefits equally.
Farmers must submit their applications by May 25 to be considered for the first phase. The district administration has also set a strict timeline:
– Land surveys and work tenders must be completed by May 30.
– Construction and development work will begin by June 25.
– Tasks like land leveling, borewell drilling, and solar pump installation will be completed between June 26 and March 31.
The district Collector will oversee the execution of this scheme to make sure everything stays on track.
This initiative marks a big step towards boosting irrigation, improving agricultural output, and supporting tribal communities with sustainable energy solutions.
