Telangana to provide drones for women farmers soon: Minister Tummala

Stating that the State government is taking all measures to ensure that Telangana farmers shine at the global stage, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said that drones will soon be provided to women farmers as part of the farm mechanisation scheme.

The two-day ‘Mega Farmers’ Mela’ commenced at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) in Rajendranagar on Sunday. PJTSAU, Coromandel International Limited, and the State Agriculture department are jointly organising the event to mark International Women’s Day and in the context of the United Nations declaring 2026 as the ‘International Year of Women Farmers’.

Listing the State government’s several efforts for the betterment of the agriculture sector, Mr. Nageswara Rao said the government is encouraging crop rotation and natural farming methods and is working to establish oil palm industries in every district.

“We have revived farm mechanisation with ₹500 crore, and priority is being given to women farmers under this programme,” he added.

IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu called upon farmers to use modern skills and technologies to produce sufficient food grains to meet people’s needs. He also stressed that the country must become self-reliant in food production.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) appreciated the organisers for setting up useful stalls for farmers.

ICAR Director General M.L. Jat said Telangana is becoming a model for other States by bringing new technologies to farmers while emphasising environmental and biodiversity protection.

PJTSAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aldas Janaiah cautioned that excessive use of chemical fertilizers is harming soil health and causing serious diseases.

During the event, awards were presented to 30 women farmers and six agricultural journalists, including Mallik Babu Basvoju, a senior journalist with a vernacular news channel, for their contributions to the agriculture sector.

Agriculture department Director Gopi, Horticulture Director Yasmeen Basha, Coromandel MD Shankar Subrahmanyam, Vice-President G.V. Subba Reddy, and officials from PJTSAU and ICAR institutions attended the event.