Telangana keeps farmers off cotton due to poor demand in global market

WARANGAL: With demand for cotton declining drastically in the international market, farmers in the district were asked to cultivate alternative crops such as maize, red gram, green gram and other pulses.

The district administration is taking steps to this effect. The agriculture officials were asked to undertake awareness campaign to educate the farmers.

A week-long intensive campaign would begin soon covering all the villages.
Pamphlets containing information on alternate crops, availability of seeds, fertilizers and crop loans will be distributed to farmers and they would be explained about government subsidies.

District collector Vakati Karuna said that, with this move, farmers are expected to cultivate soybean, maize, red gram, green gram and other pulses in about 1.50 lakh acres in the current Kharif season.

“We have prepared seeds and fertilizers for distributing to the farmers. Soil tests were conducted throughout the district and soon we will be handing out soil health cards to the farmers. Loan distribution and other benefits will be taken up in a computerized online process from now on,” she said.

Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari said it is not an easy task to convince farmers not to cultivate cotton but asked the officials to take up the challenge. He asked officials to provide input subsidy, subsidised seeds and fertilizers to the farmers who come forward to take up pulses.

A report from Karimnagar said farmers were worried over the menace of adulterated seeds and fertilizers ahead of the Kharif season in June. Farmers often end up purchasing adulterated seeds and incur losses.

Absence of vigilance officers has resulted in unauthorised brands turning up at shops. Officials have formed teams to check the spread of fake seeds.