Telangana agriculture minister says waiver only for crops, not for gold loans

Hyderabad: Stumped by widespread protests, agriculture minister, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy asserted on Friday that the government would stand by its commitment to waive loans up to Rs 1 lakh to farmers.

“We are committed to keep our election promise to waive crop loans up to Rs 1 lakh. However we will not entertain gold loans and others loans. There is no need for farmer to get agitated based on false rumours,” said Mr Reddy remarked.

Sources said Chief Minister will take a decision on the issue at the next formal Cabinet meeting. Mr Srinivas Reddy said the government would stand by farmers and extend all support in the development of agriculture and horticulture. “Our goal is to make Telangana a seed hub in the country and agriculture profitable. By next season, we will have our own seeds of soyabean, maize and paddy,” he added.

Stating that there are 20 lakh agricultural pump sets in Telangana, he said that the government would take steps to provide irrigation facilities and strive to ensure quality power for eight hours.

For this kharif, he said the government has already dispatched 6.5 lakh metric tons of fertilisers.