Indira Solar Giri Water Development Scheme – TelanganaObjective:
- To improve economic and living standards of tribal farmers holding land under the Forest Rights Act (RoFR) 2006.
- To enable cultivation of forest land allotted to tribal communities.
- To provide solar-powered irrigation and support sustainable agriculture.
Key Features:
- Beneficiaries: ~2.1 lakh tribal farmers with RoFR titles.
- Coverage: ~6 lakh acres over five years.
- Launch Date: May 18, 2025 by CM A. Revanth Reddy.
- Implementation Oversight: Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka coordinating ITDA, electricity, horticulture departments.
Components / Activities:
- Solar-Powered Irrigation: Installation of solar pumpsets and borewells.
- Drip Irrigation Systems: Efficient water usage for horticultural crops.
- Plantation & Horticulture Support: Crops like avocado, bamboo, pomegranate, dragon fruit, fig.
- Short-Term Income Support: Intercropping until permanent yields mature.
- Survey & Planning: Assessment of water availability, crop suitability, and revenue generation potential.
Innovative Approaches:
- Emphasis on crop diversification and remunerative crops.
- Learning from successful models in other states (e.g., Himachal Pradesh for organic vegetable export).
- Focus on short-term yield crops alongside long-term plantations.
Significance:
- Empowers tribal farmers and promotes inclusive rural development.
- Facilitates renewable energy adoption through solar-powered irrigation.
- Supports agricultural sustainability and economic self-reliance of tribal communities.
- Helps Telangana become a model for tribal agricultural empowerment.
Challenges Addressed:
- Administrative delays and clearance issues from forest and other departments.
- Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to Podu cultivation fields.
Alignment with National Goals:
- Renewable energy adoption.
- Tribal welfare and rural development.
- Promotion of sustainable and remunerative agriculture.
Updated - May 08, 2025 09:07 pm | The Hindu