CM okays ` 4,800cr for palm oil

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has approved an Oil Palm Crop Extension Project at a cost of Rs 4,800 crore while expressing desire that a brand image be built for high quality of cotton produced in Telangana.

Reviewing the functioning of Agriculture Department with senior officers at Pragathi Bhavan on Monday, Rao said oil palm could be currently cultivated over eight lakh acres in the state as it can grown only in areas where continuous supply of water is available. He disclosed for extension of oil palm crops, the National Reassessment Committee of Government of India has identified 25 districts in Telangana as being suitable for cultivating oil palm.

The CM said, “Our country needs 22 million tonnes of edible oil but can produce only seven million tonnes. This is the reason we have made a major grant for cultivating oil palm in Telangana,” he stated.

Rao also instructed officials to acquire a brand image for highquality cotton grown in Telangana. He pointed out that the state’s cotton staple is lengthiest. It is also hard when compared to cotton produced elsewhere in the country. He wanted a strategy for publicising the special qualities of cotton grown in the state not only within India but abroad.

The Chief Minister said, “Telangana is second highest cotton grower in the country.

Before formation of Telangana there were only 60 ginning mills; now, their number is 300.”

Meanwhile, the CMO has announced that Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) has selected TS for two awards. TS Seed Certification Authority has been adjudged as best in the country. Agriculture Policy Award has been given to Telangana Seeds Corporation MD Keshavulu. CM congratulated the two organisations over their achievement.