Custom Hiring Centres offer machinery on rent to farmers in Telangana

The Agriculture Department in Telangana has encouraged farmers to unite under Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to bolster their bargaining power, enhance market access and boost farm incomes. During the 112th episode of Rythu Nestham, Agriculture and Co-operation Secretary K. Surendra Mohan highlighted the state government's commitment to empowering farmer collectives with various initiatives.

Director B. Gopi of Agriculture emphasized the department's efforts to strengthen FPOs financially and elevate the earnings of small and marginal farmers. Officials explained that joining forces through FPOs, SHGs and PACS facilitates collective marketing, leading to higher demand for farm produce and better prices. A key aspect of the programme involved the creation of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) as part of agricultural mechanisation projects, allowing small and marginal farmers to rent farm machinery instead of investing in costly equipment.

These CHCs provide 37 types of machinery across seven categories, such as land development, seeding and planting, crop protection, harvesting, and post-harvest management. Demonstrations were given by companies exporting gherkins from Kohir mandal of Sangareddy district and a firm processing and exporting moringa leaves from Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, showcasing income potential for farmers through value-added products.

Experts urged farmers to choose crops based on water availability and purchase only recommended varieties from authorized dealers.