We will complete loan waiver before Diwali: Tummala

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Wednesday reiterated the state government’s commitment to farmer welfare.
He was speaking at a meeting at Nidadamnoor and Haliya in Nalgonda district.
At both events, Nageswara Rao Rao highlighted the government’s efforts to complete the loan waiver process and ensure that all eligible farmers are benefited. He also stressed the importance of promoting oil palm cultivation.
In Nidadamnoor, the Minister praised the government’s handling of the loan waiver scheme and how over Rs 18,000 crore had been credited to the accounts of more than 22 lakh farmers under the scheme. Before Diwali, loan waiver benefits would reach another 20 lakh farmers.
He also noted that the government is taking steps to waive loans for those with more than Rs 2 lakh loans and is providing subsidies to encourage oil palm cultivation.
The Minister explained that Telangana is the first State in the country to initiate such large-scale loan waiver programs for farmers. No State in India has so far waived farmers’ loans on such a large scale, he said.
He pointed out that oil palm cultivation is a lucrative venture and explained how the government plans to expand oil palm cultivation to 10 lakh acres across the state. In this way, Telangana would not only support its farmers but also become a leader in palm oil production, which is currently a major requirement for the country.
Rao’s address in Nidadamnoor also highlighted the government’s focus on agricultural infrastructure. He assured the gathering that the government is taking steps to enhance irrigation facilities by ensuring water reaches all parts of the district, especially through the implementation of the SLBC (State Level Bankers Committee) tunnel project, which will provide irrigation water across the region.
Apart from farmer welfare initiatives, the Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure in the district. He mentioned that Rs516 crore had been allocated for road repairs and construction across Nalgonda with 15 kilometers of roads being developed at an estimated cost of RS11 crore, and 11 kilometers of roads to be constructed in another part of the district at a cost of Rs 25 crore. These improvements are aimed at enhancing connectivity and providing better access to rural areas.
 Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, who spoke at the meeting, stressed that the market committees should ensure farmers’ welfare.