Hyderabad: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao conducted a review meeting on fertilizer supply with the agriculture department officials at the secretariat on Wednesday. Officials assured the minister that sufficient fertilizers would be available until the end of next month and that supply would remain uninterrupted. Agriculture director B. Gopi informed that fertilisers, including urea, are being delivered through rail rakes and road transport.
The minister instructed officials to ensure the availability of fertilisers at Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACSs), Agriculture Rythu Seva Kendrams (ARSKs) and through authorised dealers. He told the district agriculture officials to coordinate effectively to prevent delays in fertilizer distribution and ensure timely distribution.
In addition, the minister reviewed the operations and initiatives of the State Warehousing Corporation with its chairman, Royala Nageshwara Rao. Corporation MD Kora Lakshmi informed the minister that of the total storage capacity of 7,30,135 metric tonnes, 5,25,083 metric tonnes is currently in use. She highlighted that the corporation offers a 35 per cent rebate to small tenant farmers storing their produce. These farmers can also avail of loans against their stock while waiting for better market prices.
Officials reported efforts to increase storage capacity by an additional 1,03,800 metric tonnes, with new godowns being constructed at eight locations as per government directives. The minister urged officials to incorporate advanced technology in the construction of these godowns to enhance durability and ensure the longevity of stored grains.
