Revive dedicated minor irrigation system with modern technology: Farmers’ Commission

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Members of Telangana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Commission submitting a report on minor irrigation to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Handout

The Telangana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Commission has recommended to the State government that a dedicated minor irrigation system be re-established with technology-driven units aimed at improving water-use efficiency.

The Commission submitted a report on minor irrigation to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday (August 29), making several key recommendations for strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving agricultural sustainability in the State.

Farmers’ Welfare Commission chairman Kodanda Reddy and members Ramulu Naik, Ram Reddy Gopal Reddy, Gangadhar and M. Bhavani Reddy were present during the meeting.

The Commission recommended the establishment of command-area based management systems to integrate minor and major irrigation resources and ensure more efficient utilisation of available water. It also proposed enactment of a separate Minor Irrigation Act specifically for the protection and management of tanks in the State.

The Commission called for identification and demarcation of the Full Tank Level (FTL) boundaries of all tanks, removal of encroachments and effective protection of the tank areas.

The Commission said restoration and protection of tanks was crucial for ensuring water security, stabilising agriculture and improving rural livelihoods in Telangana. Strengthening traditional water bodies would help improve groundwater availability and provide greater resilience to farmers, it said.

Mr. Revanth Reddy suggested that the Commission focus particularly on crop diversification, promotion of horticulture and strengthening of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He emphasised the need for measures that would improve farm incomes and make agriculture more sustainable.

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