Plantation advisory for agriculture wing

Hanamkonda: Urban District Collector Prashanth Jeevan Patil directed the agriculture department to conduct a comprehensive survey so that the plantation drive under fifth phase of Haritha Haram taken up by the farmers would be a huge success.

Conducting a review meeting with the officials here on Wednesday, he told them to focus on plant varieties that provide additional income source for the farmers.

Instead of banking on the survey conducted in January and February, there is a need for a fresh field level survey to identify the requirements of farmers to make the Haritha Haram a huge success, Patil said, instructing officials to come up with a comprehensive survey report by July 6.

He sought a detailed report from the officials comprising of farmers, extent of land with survey numbers and variety of saplings to be planted on field bunds during the Haritha Haram.

He emphasised the need for a measured approach to protect the saplings post plantation.

The onus is on officials to focus on the survival rate of the saplings which needs a constant supervision, he said.

The Collector directed the officials to enlighten the farmers about the importance of fruit-bearing plants and shade-giving trees which not only give additional income to farmers but also sustain groundwater levels. He told the officials to explain about the marketing facilities to farmers.

District agriculture officer Usha Dayal, mandal agriculture officers Afzal Pasha, Sridhar Reddy, Laxma Reddy and Srilatha were among others present.