Hyderabad: The Telangana government has claimed that the agriculture sector in the state has undergone “revolutionary changes” under Congress rule, highlighting new digital initiatives, direct farmer-to-consumer marketing systems, and policy reforms aimed at improving farm incomes and reducing dependency on middlemen, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said on Monday. The announcement was made during the inauguration of Farmers’ Week celebrations in Tandur, Vikarabad district, as part of a state-wide outreach programme.
The government said the reforms are designed to strengthen transparency in agricultural markets and improve profitability for farmers by enabling direct access to buyers through technology-driven platforms. Officials said the initiatives form part of a broader strategy to modernise agriculture in Telangana and make it more market-oriented and technology-enabled.
Digital push and direct market access
A key highlight of the reforms is the launch of the “TG Organics” mobile application, which allows certified farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers without intermediaries. According to the Agriculture Department, only farmers certified by the Telangana State Seed and Organic Certification Authority will be listed on the platform, ensuring authenticity of organic products.
The app is expected to connect consumers with farmers within a 50-km radius in the initial phase, allowing the sale of vegetables, fruits, grains, and other organic produce. Officials said the platform will later be expanded to cover a wider geographic area and include more registered farmers.
The government said around 500 farmers have already registered on the platform, with additional enrolments expected in the coming weeks. Similar digital initiatives in other states have shown that direct marketing platforms can reduce price gaps caused by intermediaries and improve farmer earnings.
Policy measures and farmer support systems
The Agriculture Minister said the Congress government has also introduced several support mechanisms, including financial assistance schemes, input subsidies, and improved procurement systems. He stated that these measures are intended to address long-standing issues such as price volatility, input cost escalation, and market access limitations faced by farmers.
Officials also pointed to broader agricultural reforms being implemented in the state, including irrigation improvements and crop support programmes. Telangana has previously implemented large-scale welfare initiatives such as investment support schemes and loan waivers, which authorities say have contributed to stabilising the rural economy.
The government said it is also focusing on strengthening agricultural infrastructure, including storage facilities, procurement centres, and digital tracking systems for farm produce. These efforts are aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring better price realisation for farmers.
Impact and implementation challenges
Officials said the combined impact of these initiatives is expected to improve farmer incomes and create more efficient agricultural supply chains. The government also emphasised that eliminating middlemen through digital platforms will help ensure that farmers receive a larger share of the consumer price.
However, experts note that the success of such reforms will depend on digital accessibility, awareness among farmers, and strong on-ground implementation mechanisms. Ensuring participation from small and marginal farmers, particularly in remote areas, remains a key challenge.
The Agriculture Department has directed district-level officials to coordinate with farmer groups and cooperative societies to increase awareness about the new initiatives. Training programmes are also expected to be conducted to help farmers use digital platforms effectively.
With the rollout of the TG Organics app and related agricultural reforms, the Telangana government has positioned its policy shift as a step towards modernising farming practices and improving market access. Officials said the focus will remain on expanding digital inclusion in agriculture while ensuring that benefits reach farmers across all regions of the state.
