Change in cropping pattern will take Seema forward

Tirupati: Lack of proper leadership might be the reason for the backwardness of Rayalaseema apart from multifaceted problems like water consumption, land and resource utilisation, opined the Director General (DG) of National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD)and Panchayat Raj, Hyderabad, W Rampulla Reddy. The region should take Anna Hazare model to record growth.

Addressing the first annual conference of Rayalaseema Economics Association (REA) at Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) senate hall here on Friday, he said Rayalaseema districts were not backward when compared to national averages like per capita income, infant mortality rate etc., In fact, Rayalaseema is rich with red sanders trees and natural resources.

He called for another green revolution in the region by bringing in changes in cropping pattern, seeds and others. When the quality of education in government schools is changed, it changes the attitude of poor people and that knowledge will change the face of Rayalaseema, he observed.
SVU Rector Prof G Janaki Ram has said that Rayalaseema has enough metals, minerals and manpower which should be used in a proper way to achieve good results.

SVU College of Arts Principal Prof G Savaraiah highlighted the life style of tribal community ‘Chenchus’ which has been predominant in this region and the worst sufferers in Nallamala forest area. Much research should be needed on this aspect, which can help in changing their living standards.

The Head of Economics department and local organising committee Chairman Prof K Santha Kumari presented a profile of the department and its progress during the last 60 years. Later in the panel discussion, the scholars working on Rayalaseema issues like Bhuman, A Raghava Sarma, Bojja Dasaratharami Reddy, KC Kalkura and M Gopal Reddy have participated and touched upon various aspects.

The President of REA and UGC Emeritus Fellow Prof A Ranga Reddy has presided over the function in which about 75 papers were listed for presentation. Dr K Radhika welcomed the gathering and local organising secretary Prof M Chinnaswamy Naidu has proposed a vote of thanks. The secretary of REA Prof MD Bavaiah, Prof D Krishna Murthy and others took part.