Adopt latest farm techniques

Kurnool: Deputy Chief Minister KE Krishnamurthy gave a call to farmers to adopt latest techniques in farming for better harvest. He participated in the Eruvaka Pournami programme organised at Pandikona village in Pathikonda constituency on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the state government is committed to welfare of farmers as several schemes are being implemented by the government. He made an appeal to farmers to shun traditional style of farming and adopt latest techniques.

Farmers can yield good results by adopting latest technologies, he stated, adding Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu keen on farmers shifting to new farming methods.

Krishnamurthy suggested the farmers to get their soil in their lands tested and cultivate crops as suggested by the agriculture experts. He mentioned the state government had waived crop loans of Rs 24,000 crore despite revenue deficit. Farmers should opt for horticulture varieties in addition to traditional crops in Kharif, he said.

Further speaking, the Deputy Chief Minister said the salaries of VRAs, Anganwadi workers and teachers and home guards were increased. Around 12,000 tractors have been extended to the farmers and several schemes are being implemented to women, he claimed.

District Collector S Satyanarayana said the Chief Minister is aiming to change the lifestyle of every farmer in the district. As many as 10 agriculture extension officers have been allocated to every mandal, the Collector said, suggesting the farmers to take their advice in cultivation of crops.

Prior to addressing the gathering, the Minister drove the oxen and tilted the farm land at Pandikona village in Pathikonda segment. Joint Director of Agriculture (JDA) Uma Maheshwaramma and other officials were present.