Stressing the importance of undertaking reforms in the agriculture sector, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao today directed the Additional Director of the agriculture department to consolidate all suggestions made by Agricultural Commission members regarding the appointment of model farmers, and submit a comprehensive report.
The minister assured the Commission members that the matter would be brought to the Chief Minister's attention.
Chairman of the Commission Kodanda Reddy, along with other members, met Rao today at the Secretariat. The meeting discussed several key issues, including the appointment of model farmers (Adarsa Rythus), integration of agricultural work with the Employment Guarantee Scheme, the removal of GST on agricultural machinery and tools, amendments to the Seed Act and the strengthening of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Rao said that issues such as amendments to the Seed Act and the removal of GST on agricultural tools fell under the jurisdiction of the Union government. He said that requests on these matters had already been submitted to the Union government, and that efforts to pressurize the authorities through various means would continue.
He also said that the integration of the Employment Guarantee Scheme with the agricultural sector was currently under consideration.
The minister also emphasized the State government's commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector by initiating the appointment of ATMA (Agri Technology Management Agency) committees. He said that these committees would soon implement extensive programs aimed at providing new momentum to agriculture.
He requested the Commission members to offer guidance for the programs to be conducted through these committees.