The Telangana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Commission has recommended restructuring the state’s minor irrigation system with modern technical units to improve water-use efficiency. A delegation of the commission met Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at his Jubilee Hills residence and submitted a report containing several recommendations.
The delegation was led by Telangana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Commission Chairman M. Kodanda Reddy. Members Ramulu Naik, Ram Reddy Gopal Reddy, Gangadhar and M. Bhavani Reddy were also part of the delegation. The commission briefed the Chief Minister on its activities over the past two years and the recommendations submitted to the government.
Integrated management of irrigation resources
The commission recommended establishing command-area-based management systems that connect minor and major irrigation resources. It said the minor irrigation system should be reorganised with technical units aimed at improving the efficiency of water use.
The recommendations are focused on strengthening irrigation resources and improving their management for agricultural needs. The commission also highlighted the importance of restoring and protecting water bodies across the state.
Special law proposed for tank protection
The commission recommended framing a dedicated minor irrigation law for the protection of tanks in Telangana. It also suggested immediately identifying the Full Tank Level (FTL) boundaries of tanks, removing encroachments and taking measures to protect the identified areas.
According to the commission, restoration of tanks is essential for water security, agricultural stabilisation and the development of rural livelihoods in Telangana. Strengthening local water resources is expected to remain an important component of sustainable irrigation management.
CM stresses crop diversification and FPOs
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy discussed the commission’s recommendations with the delegation. During the meeting, he suggested that the commission should focus on areas including crop rotation, increasing the cultivation of horticultural crops and promoting the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
The delegation also explained the initiatives undertaken by the Farmers’ Commission during the past two years and the suggestions it had submitted to the government. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the commission’s functioning, according to the delegation.
