More farmers opt for Greenhouse cultivation

Mahabubnagar: More farmers in the perennial drought-hit Mahabubagar district are opting for the Greenhouse crops utilising the 75 per cent subsidy announced by the Telangana government, as against 50 per cent extended by previous regimes. Farmers have to contribute the rest of 25 per cent of the cost of greenhouse cultivation.

• Utilise 75 % subsidy provided by TS govt
• Previous regimes offered only 50 % incentives
• Vegetables & flowers cultivated for export

This happy development, being viewed as a welcome feature, has come at a time when drought is prevailing in spite of abundant natural resources and indefinite waiting by ryots in the agriculture market yards to sell their grains. They have also been in distress for not being able to repay loans on account of the lack remunerative prices for their produce.

Now they are focusing attention on modern farm practices using the government incentives, as the Greenhouse facility in one acre will surely ensure four worry-free years, thus paving the way for profits. The encouragement being provided by the government has come as a boon to farmers in Shadnagar, Jadcherla, Mahabubnagar town and Kalwakurthi.

The location of Mahabubnagar just 100 km from Hyderabad has also helped. Ryots are increasingly opting for growing of vegetables and flowers which can be exported. As against cultivation of 35-40 acres under Greenhouse last year, the number has gone up to 200-300 acres in 2015.

As against the expenditure of Rs.33-40 lakh incurred for Greenhouse cultivation in the past, the cost has come down to Rs.33 lakh, of which the subsidy is Rs.25 lakh. The lowered cultivation cost is giving profits to farmers, like Anjaneyulu of Tadikonda in Bhoothpur mandal, who grows flowers, and Hanumandas of Gadwal, who is raising capsicum.

Horticulture department AD Somi Reddy told The Hans India that guidelines for Greenhouse cultivation in four districts---Nalgonda, Medak, Ranga Reddy and Mahabubnagar---have been issued to cover 1,000 acres. Facilities for the cultivation are to be created once funds are released.