Tue May 20 14:28:20 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:**

**Summary:**

Telangana’s Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao is pushing for significant improvements in agricultural infrastructure and market regulation. Key initiatives include building new cold storage and warehouses using the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), installing CCTV systems in agricultural markets and Rythu Bazaars (farmer’s markets), increasing soil testing, auditing cooperative societies, and streamlining the transition of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The minister also emphasized preventing private traders from infiltrating Rythu Bazaars and directed the reorganization of market yards. Cotton seed packets are being distributed in preparation for the planting season, and the government is actively procuring jowar.

**News Article:**

**Telangana Minister Unveils Plans for Agricultural Infrastructure Overhaul**

**Hyderabad, May 20, 2025:** Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has announced a comprehensive plan to bolster the state’s agricultural infrastructure and regulate market activities, aiming to empower farmers and enhance the efficiency of the agricultural sector.

Speaking after a meeting with senior officials from various agricultural departments, Minister Rao outlined several key initiatives. These include the construction of new cold storage facilities and warehouses using funds from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development’s (NABARD) Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). These facilities are aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and providing farmers with better storage options.

To combat the infiltration of private traders into Rythu Bazaars (farmer’s markets), the Minister has ordered the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in all Rythu Bazaars and agricultural markets. He emphasized the need to ensure that only genuine farmers are selling their produce in these markets, thereby protecting their interests. Digital display boards will also be installed in all markets.

“We are committed to ensuring that our farmers receive fair prices for their produce and have access to the resources they need to thrive,” stated Minister Rao.

Other key initiatives include:

* Increasing soil testing to at least 2 lakh samples by month-end to help farmers make informed crop decisions.
* Finalizing the list of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) to be formed.
* Conducting audits of apex cooperative societies and taking action against negligent audit officers.
* Reorganizing existing market yards based on proposals from elected representatives.
* Accelerating the transformation of 311 PACSs into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
* Ensuring the availability of cotton seed packets ahead of the rainy season, with 40 lakh packets already positioned and an additional 2 crore packets to be made available shortly.

Officials also reported progress on recovering funds from irregularities in PACSs and DCCBs, with ₹6.38 crore already recovered and efforts underway to recover an additional ₹19 crore.

The ambitious plan signals the Telangana government’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector, supporting its farmers, and ensuring the integrity of its agricultural markets.

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