Agri Minister emphasises on more onion cultivation

Hyderabad: In the wake of skyrocketing of onion prices in the State, Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy on Monday instructed officials concerned to encourage onion cultivation and vegetables in the next summer.

The Minister also asked the officials to give subsidy for vegetables cultivation and alternative crops to benefit farmers.

At a review meeting, the Minister said that the farmers must grow vegetables in summer season and get the benefits. He also asked the officials to make surprise visits to ensure cotton was completely procured from the farmers.

Reddy warned the officials of stringent action if any irregularities were found in cotton purchase or giving support to farmers through subsidy.

He said that 90 per cent subsidy will be offered for pandal cultivation used to grow Bitter gourd, Ribbed gourd, Snake gourd etc.

He further asked the officials to create awareness on use of urea and fertilisers for crops. Only 40 kg urea can be used for one-acre paddy cultivation, he added.

Reddy said that awareness should be created among farmers on alternative crops, onions and vegetables.