Khammam: On Monday, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao urged farmers to consider growing more profitable and sustainable crops like oil palm. This change could help increase their earnings and improve life in rural areas.
While laying the foundation for development projects worth Rs2.95 crore in Lachiram Tanda, Raghunathapalem mandal, the Minister highlighted the benefits of oil palm cultivation. He noted that oil palm not only provides high returns but also comes with substantial state government subsidies.
“The government offers a Rs 50,000 subsidy per acre for oil palm,” he explained. Farmers also receive additional support for growing intercrops such as chillies, cotton, and vegetables, and for installing drip irrigation systems. With these supports, farmers might earn up to Rs 2 lakh per acre.
The projects include repairing and reconstructing the BT road from Lachiram Tanda to Eerlapudi, costing Rs 2.15 crore, and building a bridge between Lachiram Tanda and Donabanda for Rs 80 lakh. Additional Collector P Srinivasa Reddy joined the Minister during the ceremony.
Nageswara Rao assured that measures would be taken to keep tanks and irrigation sources full, even in summer, so farmers can continue farming without water shortages.
He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to providing housing for the needy. The Minister emphasized that Indiramma houses are being distributed in stages.
“No deserving individual will be without a home,” he said, committing to approve Indiramma houses for every eligible low-income family.
