Real estate gobbling up agriculture lands

Kowkoor: Krishna, a resident of Kowkoor, quit a career in civil engineering to take up organic farming and has been reaping a good harvest but is saddened by the fact that the lands close to his are making way to commercial and residential complexes. Kowkoor is known for vegetables and people from Yapral, Sainikpuri, Bolarum, Alwal, Lothukunta, A S Rao Nagar and nearby localities flock to the area to

buy farm fresh vegetables. Madhulika, a resident of Sainikpuri says, "One can be sure of the quality of vegetables from Kowkoor as the water used is not from the River Musi. The vegetables are fresh and pure."

In the last three years, several acres of agricultural land were sold to real estate developers. Mallesh, a farmer, who owned two acres of land sold a major chunk to a real estate developer says, "Farmers cannot resist the offers. I had to sell the land as my sons pressurised me."

Madhav, a real estate agent, said, "The prices have shot up several notches in the last few years and after the TRS government came to power for the second time, the rates shot up again. Many farmers in Kowkoor are selling their lands."

The Kowkoor area is known for organic farming practices. The farmers do not use pesticides and are popular for green leafy vegetable production. "We grow spinach, coriander, methi and amaranth and these farms are completely organic.

I dug the land two feet deep and filled it with new red soil, coco peat, and pure sheep and cow manure before I began the first round of planting," say Yellaiah and Lakshmi. The water is sourced from the borewells.

"We also delivery fresh and leafy vegetable to apartments. Even many residents come here to buy fresh veggies and greens," Yellaiah added.

By KIRAN KUMAR