Telangana advances agricultural diversification and rice export talks

The Telangana government is implementing strategies to diversify agriculture and enhance international trade. To combat climate change, water scarcity, and El Niño effects, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju has directed officials to develop a plan promoting low-water-intensive crops such as millets, vegetables, and fruits. This shift aims to protect small farmers from the losses associated with traditional rice and maize cultivation while boosting net incomes through high-demand products.

To support this transition, the state intends to leverage assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for financial backing, technical aid, and improved market infrastructure. Officials are also being urged to expand the use of drip and micro-irrigation systems to optimize water efficiency.

Simultaneously, Telangana is seeking to expand its global agricultural footprint. Irrigation and Food & Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy held discussions with Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco P Laurel Jr regarding increased rice exports. Telangana, a leading paddy-producing state in India, aims to position itself as a reliable, long-term supplier of high-quality rice to the Philippines to help the nation diversify its import sources.