Hyderabad: Irrigation & Marketing Minister T. Harish Rao on Tuesday informed the Telangana Legislative Assembly that the State Government was constructing 330 godowns across the State.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Aroori Ramesh and others during Question Hour, the minister said that during the previous Congress regime the overall capacity of godowns was just 4.14 Lakh Metric Tonnes. However, the TRS Government, in just one year, increased the capacity by almost four times to 17.075 Lakh MTs. These 330 godowns are being constructed with assistance from NABARD. In the first phase, 128 godowns with a capacity of 6.85 Lakh MTs are being constructed while 202 godowns with a capacity of 10.225 lakh MTs will be taken up in second phase.
Harish Rao said that the 1st phase godowns were at different stages, i.e., Lintel Level, Roof Level and Final Stages. These are expected to be completed in the month of April 2016. The 2nd phase godowns are at foundation and basement levels. These are expected to be completed in the month of July 2016. Of 330 godowns, 54 are in Mahabubnagar; 43 in Medak; 19 in Ranga Reddy; 31 in Nalgonda; 25 in Khammam; 32 in Nizamabad; 45 in Warangal; 36 in Karimnagar and 45 in Adilabad district.
The minister informed that the amount spent for construction of godowns so far was Rs. 47.61 crore and there was no Central contribution. He said efforts were on to generate 50 MW Solar Polar exclusively for these godowns. He said various Central agencies have been consulted for this purpose. Once operational, these godowns would provide great relief to farmers as they would be able to store their produce for six month at free of cost. (INN)