Telangana panel pitches for tech-driven minor irrigation revival
Telangana Farmers' Commission recommends a dedicated, tech-enabled minor irrigation system, a new act, and tank FTL demarcation to the CM.
The Telangana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Commission has urged the State government to re-establish a dedicated minor irrigation system, incorporating technology-driven units to enhance water-use efficiency.
The recommendation was part of a report submitted to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday. The Commission's chairman, Kodanda Reddy, along with members Ramulu Naik, Ram Reddy Gopal Reddy, Gangadhar, and M. Bhavani Reddy, were present during the meeting.
A key proposal in the report is the creation of command-area based management systems to better integrate minor and major irrigation resources, ensuring more efficient use of available water. The Commission also recommended enacting a separate Minor Irrigation Act specifically for the protection and management of tanks across the State.
To safeguard these water bodies, the Commission called for identifying and demarcating the Full Tank Level (FTL) boundaries of all tanks, removing encroachments, and ensuring effective protection of tank areas. It stressed that restoring and protecting tanks is vital for water security, agricultural stability, and improving rural livelihoods in Telangana. Strengthening traditional water bodies would also help boost groundwater availability and build resilience among farmers.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister suggested the Commission focus on crop diversification, promoting horticulture, and strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He underscored the need for measures that would improve farm incomes and make agriculture more sustainable.