In a high-stakes meeting in New Delhi on September 3, 2025, Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao urged the central government to implement critical reforms to bolster the state’s agricultural sector. Meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rao called for an increase in import duties on crude palm oil and enhanced subsidies for non-urea fertilizers, aiming to support farmers and strengthen the rural economy.

Telangana is making significant strides in palm oil cultivation, with 71,985 farmers currently cultivating the crop across 63,567 hectares. Plans are in place to expand this to an additional 50,000 acres in 2025-26. However, Rao highlighted that low import duties on palm oil are undermining local farmers. He proposed raising the duty to 44% to ensure a minimum support price of Rs 25,000 per tonne for oil palm farmers. “This will incentivize palm oil cultivation and boost the rural economy,” Rao emphasized, pointing out the potential for job creation and economic stability in Telangana’s agrarian communities.

Another key demand was increasing subsidies for non-urea fertilizers, such as those containing phosphorus and potassium, under the Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme. Rao argued that balancing the cost of urea and non-urea fertilizers would not only make farming more affordable but also promote soil health. “Higher subsidies are the best way to shield farmers from volatile global markets,” he stated, underscoring the need to protect Telangana’s farmers from international price fluctuations.

Also Read: Tragedy Strikes: Two Telangana Students Killed in UK Car Crash, Five Injured

Rao also pushed for the inclusion of five Telangana districts—Bhadradri Kothagudem, Narayanpet, Mulugu, Komurambheem Asifabad, and Sangareddy—in the recently launched Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) scheme. These districts, primarily reliant on rain-fed crops, face challenges due to limited infrastructure and low yields. “Inclusion in the PMDDKY scheme will enhance agricultural productivity and provide much-needed support to farmers,” Rao said, highlighting the potential for transformative growth in these regions.

Additionally, Rao raised concerns about the 12% GST imposed on agricultural machinery, including tractors and micro-irrigation equipment, which places a heavy financial burden on small and marginal farmers. “At a time when modern farming techniques should be encouraged, high GST rates are forcing farmers to rely on outdated methods,” he remarked. Rao urged the central government to waive the 12% GST to make advanced agricultural tools more accessible, enabling farmers to adopt sustainable and efficient practices.

These demands reflect Telangana’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by its farmers. As the state pushes for policy changes, the outcome of these discussions could shape the future of agriculture in the region, offering a lifeline to farmers grappling with economic and environmental pressures.

Also Read: BJP Alleges Congress Leader’s Wife Holds Dual Voter IDs