Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Sets New Targets for Farm Mechanisation, Fertiliser Supply and Oil Palm Expansion
Hyderabad, August 28, 2026: Telangana Agriculture and Cooperation Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has directed officials to speed up several farmer-focused initiatives.
The directions came during a review meeting at the Telangana Secretariat on Friday.
The meeting covered farm mechanisation, fertiliser availability, urea supply, oil palm cultivation and solar panels at Rythu Vedikas.
The Minister also reviewed the use of the Central government’s fertiliser app and asked officials to resolve technical issues without delay.
Farm Equipment List Finalised Under Mechanisation Scheme
Tummala said the agricultural equipment to be distributed under the farm mechanisation scheme has been finalised.
The scheme aims to reduce the physical burden on farmers and lower cultivation costs.
He directed officials to speed up the distribution process.
Equipment should be selected based on farmers’ actual requirements, he said.
A key change this year is the proposed direct transfer of subsidy funds.
The subsidy will be credited directly to eligible farmers’ bank accounts.
The Minister stressed that the system must remain transparent and leave no room for middlemen.
Officials of HACA are currently examining the list of companies proposed for empanelment.
Tummala asked them to finalise the list after considering quality, pricing and availability.
Minister Says No Problem With Urea Supply
Tummala said there is currently no shortage of urea supply in Telangana.
He said officials are monitoring issues linked to the Central government’s fertiliser app.
Problems reported in some districts recently were resolved after discussions with Central officials, he said.
The Minister directed the Agriculture Department to ensure such technical issues are addressed on the same day.
He also asked officials to closely monitor fertiliser availability at the district level.
According to the figures presented at the meeting, Telangana currently has 2.79 lakh metric tonnes of urea available.
The stock also includes 0.33 lakh metric tonnes of DAP.
Complex fertilisers account for 2.25 lakh metric tonnes.
The available stock includes 0.31 lakh metric tonnes of MOP and 0.20 lakh metric tonnes of SSP.
Under the August supply plan, Telangana was allocated 1.50 lakh metric tonnes of urea.
Of this, around 1.17 lakh metric tonnes had reached the state, according to the Minister.
Fertiliser App Use Expands Among Farmers
The state government’s urea app has emerged as an important tool for fertiliser distribution.
According to the figures shared during the review, 33.37 lakh farmers booked around 1.38 crore urea bags through the state app.
Farmers purchased around 1.24 crore bags through the system.
Through the Central government’s FFS app, 10.17 lakh farmers booked 42.34 lakh bags.
They purchased around 28.39 lakh bags, officials informed the Minister.
Tummala directed officials to create wider awareness about the Central fertiliser app.
Farmers should receive clear information about booking, availability and purchase procedures.
Agriculture officials and field-level staff have been asked to explain the process at the grassroots level.
The Telangana government has previously promoted digital fertiliser booking as a way to improve transparency and ensure supplies reach genuine farmers.
Tummala Seeks Subsidy for Complex Fertilisers
The Agriculture Minister also urged the Centre to extend subsidies to complex fertilisers.
He argued that the current pricing structure encourages excessive urea consumption.
According to Tummala, cheaper urea can lead farmers to rely heavily on nitrogen fertiliser.
He called for a more balanced fertiliser subsidy policy.
The objective, he said, should be to encourage farmers to use nutrients in the right proportion.
Recent reports have also highlighted concerns over the widening price gap between urea and other fertilisers in Telangana.
Tummala stressed that excessive dependence on urea can affect soil health.
He called for greater awareness about balanced nutrient management.
Telangana Pushes Oil Palm Expansion
The Minister directed officials to accelerate the expansion of oil palm cultivation across Telangana.
He said the availability of planting material must keep pace with rising farmer demand.
Districts reporting higher demand should receive priority in plant allocation.
Tummala said farmers should not be told that plants are unavailable after submitting applications.
He directed officials to ensure delivery within two to three days.
The Minister also instructed nurseries to maintain at least twice the number of plants required under the target.
Officials were asked to identify suitable government land for expanding nursery capacity.
Where necessary, vacant land belonging to other departments may be taken on lease.
Drip Irrigation and Oil Palm Mills Also Reviewed
Tummala highlighted the importance of drip irrigation in oil palm cultivation.
He asked Oilfed officials to coordinate with drip irrigation companies.
The objective is to ensure systems are installed quickly for farmers.
He also directed officials to accelerate construction of oil palm mills.
The facilities should be made available to farmers at the earliest.
Telangana has been pushing oil palm as part of its crop diversification strategy. The state’s long-term development vision includes a major expansion of oil palm cultivation, supported by micro-irrigation and processing infrastructure.
The state has also invested in oil palm processing infrastructure. A processing plant at Narmetta in Siddipet district was inaugurated earlier this year.
Solar Panels Planned for 2,600 Rythu Vedikas
Another major decision concerns renewable energy.
Tummala directed officials to install solar panels at all 2,600 Rythu Vedikas across Telangana.
The work should be completed within two to three months, he said.
HACA has been asked to coordinate with the Commissioner of REDCO.
Officials will examine the technical requirements and feasibility of the project.
Tummala also spoke with the REDCO Commissioner over the phone regarding the proposed installations.
The project is expected to reduce electricity costs at the farmer centres while promoting renewable energy in rural areas.
Officials Asked to Strengthen Coordination
The Minister stressed the need for better coordination between departments.
He asked officials to monitor fertiliser distribution closely.
District administrations should also respond quickly to problems reported by farmers.
The Agriculture Department has a wider mandate that includes timely supply of agricultural inputs and promotion of farm mechanisation.
The review meeting focused on making these services faster and more farmer-friendly.
Officials Present
Agriculture Department Secretary Surendra Mohan attended the meeting.
Agriculture Director Gopi was also present.
Cooperation Special Commissioner Rahul Raj participated in the review.
Horticulture Director Yasmin Basha and HACA Managing Director Chandrasekhar Reddy also attended.
Key Decisions at a Glance
- Farm equipment under the mechanisation scheme has been finalised.
- Mechanisation subsidies will be transferred directly to eligible farmers.
- HACA will examine and finalise the empanelled supplier list.
- Fertiliser app-related problems must be resolved quickly.
- Farmers will receive greater awareness about the Central fertiliser app.
- Tummala has sought subsidies for complex fertilisers.
- Oil palm cultivation expansion will be accelerated.
- Oil palm plants should reach farmers within two to three days.
- Nurseries should maintain twice the required plant target.
- Drip irrigation installation will be expedited.
- Oil palm mill construction will be accelerated.
- Solar panels will be installed at 2,600 Rythu Vedikas.
- The solarisation programme is targeted for completion within two to three months.