The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Free power at odd times no good’

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Sunday, Jan 17, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Free power at odd times no good’

Staff Reporter

Farmers highlight difficulties in watering fields at night

Threat of snakebites and poisonous insects always looms large during nights, says a farmer
Ponnala stresses the need for reducing investment and increasing farm productivity

HYDERABAD: Taking it as an opportunity to represent his community’s common problems, a farmer chosen for ‘Sankranti Puraskaralu’ of Ranga Reddy district availed the platform of award-distribution ceremony here on Saturday to highlight difficulties in availing free power supplied in odd timings for agricultural purposes and other issues.

Invited to explain best practices in farming, Srinivas Reddy of Ankushapur in Ghatkesar mandal, who was selected as one of the best farmers for producing 35 bags of paddy per acre by using only vermi-compost, narrated how difficult it was to provide water to the standing crops since power to run the pump-sets was being supplied from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m.

“It is very difficult to know whether the field has become wet or not in the pitch darkness. Besides, the threat of snakebites and other poisonous insects always looms large while watering the crop in the odd timings,” he explained. They would be done a great favour by the government if the free power was given from 5 a.m.

‘Only 7-hour supply’

He also did not hesitate to point out that former Chief Minister late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy had promised nine-hour supply, but only seven-hour supply was being given. Another farmer Narasimha Reddy stated how he irrigated four acres land with the help of drip irrigation with paltry one inch water in his bore well.

Minister for Major Irrigation Ponnala Lakshmaiah stressed the need to reduce investment in farming and increase productivity and income. He complimented the farmers of the district for meeting 30 per cent of vegetable needs of twin cities by producing 3 lakh tonnes a year. He reiterated that the government was committed to completing Pranahita-Chevella project at any cost.

Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy said YSR tried to make farming a profitable vocation. Several farmers and officials were given away awards at the end.

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