Latest news with #MKodandaReddy
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Telangana urges audit of big irrigation projects, moots farmer-centric reforms; demands MSP for all crops with state authority on pricing
Telangana has advocated for a comprehensive audit of large irrigation projects before a Supreme Court panel, highlighting their impact on agricultural sustainability HYDERABAD: As debates continue around the cost and viability of the Kaleshwaram irrigation project, Telangana has made a strong case before the Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee on agricultural crisis-constituted in the aftermath of the Punjab farmers' protests against central farm laws. During their interaction with the committee over the last two days in Haryana, Telangana representatives called for a comprehensive audit and review of investments in large irrigation projects, citing their direct impact on agricultural sustainability. They proposed promoting small-scale, individually-owned irrigation systems as a viable alternative to the current large-scale, publicly-managed projects, which often come with significant financial and ecological burdens. A key recommendation was to issue insurance policy documents to farmers, similar to health and life insurance formats, to offer better financial security in the face of crop failure and unpredictable climatic conditions. Telangana Rythu Commission chairperson M Kodanda Reddy, Telangana Seed Development Corporation chairperson S Anvesh Reddy, and other members of the Telangana team also stressed the importance of developing multiple use water systems, arguing that water should serve various agricultural and non-agricultural needs. Improve existing infra "Site selection for irrigation projects should be done carefully to minimise negative environmental and social impacts," they noted, while advocating for improving the efficiency of existing infrastructure and reclaiming degraded farmland instead of building new projects. Among other crucial points raised: State-wise water resource management plans should be formulated. The minimum support price (MSP) should be extended to all crops, with focus on crops like turmeric, jaggery, and mustard, given escalating input costs. Telangana also proposed that states be empowered to set their own MSP. The farmer should be recognised not just as a producer but also as a consumer, who routinely faces issues such as poor quality inputs, lack of after sales service, price manipulation, and weight fraud - areas where the Consumer Protection Act fails to fully safeguard farmers . Telangana urged the creation of special legal provisions for farmers as consumers.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Telangana to bar spurious seed ‘organisers' under new law
Hyderabad: Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission chairman M Kodanda Reddy on Friday lashed out at officials for failing to curb the rampant sale of spurious seeds, warning that those posing as seed company 'organisers' will be excluded under Telangana's proposed new Seed Act. Addressing farmers at the Gadwal district collectorate, Kodandareddy said such middlemen, often responsible for misleading farmers, have no place in a reformed agricultural system. "Whenever Congress was in power, it led key reforms in agriculture. This time, we will act decisively," he declared, adding that officials in the agriculture and marketing departments lacked awareness and accountability. He questioned the indifference of district collectors, asking, "Are farmers untouchable?" and stressed that the recent seed scandal in Mulugu must shape stronger regulatory measures. He also urged officials to crack down on illegal moneylenders and cancel licences of violators. "The govt will not betray your trust," he assured farmers, while warning opposition parties against politicising farmer issues. Recalling past hardships, he said farmers in Palamuru shifted from castor to cotton cultivation due to pest issues, and today the region stands second only to China in cotton farming. He blamed earlier regimes for failing to protect farmers from crises and suicides. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
‘Gene-edited rice varieties pose threat to TG's seed sovereignty'
Hyderabad: Telangana registered a strong protest against the release of gene-edited rice varieties in India. Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission Chairman M Kodanda Reddy urged the Centre to halt further approvals. In his letter addressed to the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan on Tuesday, Reddy expressed concerns and held that it was deeply troubling that such a critical decision, with far-reaching consequences for the country's food system and biodiversity, has been taken with inadequate transparency and without comprehensive public consultation. He noted that States were not consulted and also consumers across the country, including in Telangana, have not been consulted on the implications of gene-edited foods entering the market. 'With rising public awareness around food safety, traceability, and labeling, there is growing consumer resistance to genetically modified and gene-edited foods, especially in staple crops like rice. We note that there are currently no mandatory labeling guidelines for gene-edited products, denying consumers their right to informed choice,' stated the Commission's Chairman. Kodanda Reddy also pointed out that the gene-edited rice varieties pose threat to Telangana's paddy economy and seed sovereignty. 'Telangana's rice ecosystem supports over 15 lakh farmers and contributes significantly to national food security through procurement to FCI. The introduction of gene-edited rice may contaminate native seed varieties, affecting export potential, especially to countries with strict GM-free import standards. Farmers may eventually be forced into dependency on proprietary seed technologies, threatening their right to save and exchange seeds under the PPV&FR Act. Sad and pitiable experience of cotton farmers with Bt cotton and Ht Bt cotton is a grim reminder not to bring such technologies,' stated Reddy. The Commission demanded that there be an immediate moratorium on the release and commercial cultivation of gene-edited rice, pending independent scientific review and full public consultations with state governments, scientists, farmers, and consumers. 'India's strength lies in its diverse agroecological systems and farmer-led innovations. Telangana, with its robust paddy production and active farmer networks, stands as a prime example of the risks of introducing irreversible genetic interventions without state consensus. In the interest of federalism, ecological sustainability, and public health, we urge you to respect Telangana's stance, halt further approvals, and uphold the rights of farmers and consumers alike,' he added.
New Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Telangana to amend Seed Act, draft bill in three months
HYDERABAD: The state government is considering introducing a comprehensive Seed Act. On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageshwara Rao directed officials to draft a bill within three months and constitute a committee comprising three to five members. The minister, along with Farmers Welfare Commission Chairman M Kodanda Reddy, held a meeting with officials from the Agriculture department to discuss the initiative. During the meeting, Nageshwara Rao emphasised the need to amend the existing Seed Act, 1966, citing significant changes in the agricultural sector over the years. He noted that new clauses and sections should be incorporated to reflect current needs. 'There should be vigilance over the research and development activities of seed companies. Stringent action must be taken against producers of spurious seeds. All of this will be included in the new Act,' stated the minister. He also instructed officials to bring seed-producing farmers under the Act. The commission chairman recalled that during the united Andhra Pradesh era, the Congress government had made similar efforts to amend the Act. As a result, the price of BT cotton seeds dropped from Rs 1,800 to Rs 650. He urged officials to examine seed laws in other states, especially Maharashtra, where compensation is provided to farmers affected by spurious seeds. Agriculture secretary M Raghunandan Rao, Agriculture director B Gopi and other officials were present at the meeting.
