Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao today reiterated that the KCR Government would restore minor irrigation sector in the State in a big way by spending Rs 22,500 crore. “The Government accords top priority to restore and recharge lakes, tanks and water bodies to increase agriculture produce and attract more rains by planting adequate number of saplings”, he said.
Talking to mediapersons here on Monday, Harish Rao found fault with the previous government for neglecting Medak and Ranga Reddy districts with regard to restoration of lakes, water bodies and ponds. He maintained that Rs 5 crore will be spent to conduct a survey for lift irrigation in Nalgonda and Mahbubnagar districts. Necessary steps will be taken after survey reports, he added.
Harish Rao said arrangements will be made to ensure that the farm lands get black soil extracted from the lakes and water bodies to improve their fertility. He appealed to the farmers not to rely on fertilisers alone and use alluvial soil from lakes and water bodies to improve fertility of the lands. He also stressed the need to improve fertility of lands by making ample use of black soil extracted from the nearby lakes so that lakes will get additional rain waters and increase the produce. The government is committed to protect the interests of the farmers in the State and help them cultivate multiple crops and give them necessary assistance, he added. (NSS)