Telangana Trains 800 Farmers as Vegetable Volunteers to Fix Shortages and High Prices

Telangana will train 800 farmers as vegetable cultivation volunteers. This is to help fix the shortage of vegetables in the state.
By Newsroom | Agriculture, Telangana |

A plan is underway in Telangana to train over 800 farmers as specialized volunteers in vegetable cultivation. This initiative aims to combat a noticeable shortage of vegetables within the state, a situation that has also led to increased prices. The program intends for these trained volunteers to then share their knowledge with other farmers, creating a wider network of expertise.

Background: Vegetable Cultivation in Telangana

Recent years have seen challenges for vegetable farming in Telangana. Reports indicate a drop in the area dedicated to vegetable cultivation.

  • Declining Acreage: While specific figures vary by district, the total area under vegetable cultivation in key regions like Rangareddy, Vikarabad, and Sangareddy is less than what is needed to meet the demands of Hyderabad. For example, Rangareddy district cultivates vegetables across 74,000 acres, falling short of the 1.51 lakh acres potentially needed.

  • Economic Hardship: Farmers have experienced significant losses, with some losing their entire investments in a season due to various factors. This has discouraged many from continuing vegetable farming.

  • Rising Costs and Labor Issues: Increased input costs and a shortage of labor are making vegetable farming financially difficult for many. Farmers are reporting that their earnings are not covering their expenses, leading to a reluctance to cultivate these crops.

The Volunteer Training Initiative

To counter these issues, the Agriculture Department is launching a program to train farmers as "best vegetable cultivation volunteers."

  • Scale of Training: Over 800 farmers are slated to receive this specialized training.

  • Objective: The primary goal is to create a cadre of experienced farmers who can then mentor and educate others. This peer-to-peer learning approach is intended to rapidly spread best practices in vegetable cultivation.

  • Support for Research: The initiative also highlights a call for intensified research. This includes developing vegetable varieties that can better withstand climate change, resist multiple pests and diseases, are suitable for export, and are more nutrient-rich.

Factors Contributing to Vegetable Shortages

Several interconnected issues appear to be contributing to the current vegetable shortages in Telangana.

Over 800 farmers to be trained as best vegetable cultivation volunteers to solve shortage in Telangana - 1

  • Post-Harvest Losses: A significant amount of horticultural produce, valued at approximately ₹5,700 crore annually, is lost after harvesting. Improving post-harvest management could help reduce overall waste and increase the available supply.

  • Lack of Encouragement: Farmers have expressed that they receive insufficient encouragement from the department for vegetable cultivation.

  • Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): There is a suggestion that strengthening FPOs could help improve both the production and marketing of vegetables, potentially offering better support systems for farmers.

  • Year-Round Cultivation: Guidance is needed for farmers to adopt year-round vegetable cultivation, which can provide multiple harvests and potentially better and more stable prices.

Evidence of Support and Challenges

Various reports offer insights into the current situation and past efforts.

  • District-Level Cultivation: Data from Rangareddy district, for instance, shows specific areas dedicated to different types of vegetables, indicating the types of crops grown.

  • Technological Advancements: Research is being conducted into new farming methods, such as drone-based paddy plantation, to address labor shortages and reduce cultivation time. While this specific example is for paddy, it suggests an interest in technological solutions within the agricultural sector.

  • Alternative Farming Practices: Organizations are involved in training farmers on natural and organic fertilizer use, offering cost-effective alternatives to chemical pesticides. This suggests a broader interest in sustainable and economically viable farming methods.

Expert Insights

Officials and reports highlight the need for a multi-faceted approach.

Read More: Mango Farmers Use New Ways for More Fruit and Greener Farms

"To solve the issue of shortage of vegetables in Telangana, over 800 farmers will be trained as best vegetable cultivation volunteers, who will in turn train others." - K Surendra Mohan, Agriculture Department Secretary.

The emphasis on climate-resilient and nutrient-rich varieties, alongside volunteer training, suggests a strategic effort to build long-term food security and economic stability for farmers. The challenges faced by farmers, including rising costs and labor shortages, underscore the urgency of such programs.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The initiative to train 800 farmers as vegetable cultivation volunteers represents a direct response to the observed shortages and the difficulties faced by cultivators in Telangana. The program aims to create a multiplier effect by empowering trained farmers to educate their peers.

  • Addressing Core Issues: This training is expected to enhance local expertise in vegetable farming, potentially leading to increased production and better supply.

  • Research and Development: The push for developing climate-resilient and pest-resistant vegetable varieties is a critical component for the future sustainability of agriculture in the region.

  • Farmer Support: While the training program is a significant step, further measures may be needed to address the underlying economic pressures on farmers, such as subsidized schemes and improved marketing channels, as suggested by farmer representatives.

  • Broader Impact: By aiming to solve vegetable shortages, the program also seeks to stabilize prices and improve access to fresh produce for the state's population.

The success of this initiative will likely depend on the effective dissemination of knowledge, the adoption of new techniques by farmers, and ongoing support from agricultural departments.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Telangana training 800 farmers as vegetable cultivation volunteers?
Telangana is training these farmers to help fix the shortage of vegetables in the state. This shortage has also caused prices to go up.
Q: What is the goal of training these farmers?
The main goal is for these trained farmers to teach other farmers how to grow vegetables better. This will create more vegetables and help lower prices.
Q: What problems have farmers faced with growing vegetables in Telangana?
Farmers have faced problems like less land being used for vegetables, losing money, higher costs for things like seeds and labor, and not enough help from the government.
Q: How will this training help people in Telangana?
By training more farmers and helping them grow more vegetables, the state hopes to have enough vegetables for everyone. This should also make vegetables cheaper for people to buy.
Q: What other things are being done to help vegetable farming?
The state is also looking into new types of vegetables that can handle bad weather and diseases better. They also want to improve how vegetables are stored and sold after they are picked.