Telangana aims to boost farmers’ annual income to ₹12.53 lakh by 2047: Agriculture Secretary

Telangana's ambitious declaration to elevate farmers' annual income to ₹12.53 lakh by 2047 marks a significant stride in the state's long-term agricultural development strategy. This goal is set against a backdrop of persistent challenges faced by Indian agriculture, including low productivity, market volatility, and climate change impacts, which have historically led to farmer distress and indebtedness across the country. The year 2047 holds particular significance as it marks 100 years of India's independence, framing this target within a broader national vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Historically, Indian agriculture has been characterized by its critical role in employment and food security, yet also by its vulnerability. Post-independence, the focus was primarily on achieving food self-sufficiency through initiatives like the Green Revolution in the 1960s and 70s. While successful in boosting production, these efforts often overlooked the economic well-being of farmers. The central government, recognizing this gap, had set a national goal of 'Doubling Farmers' Income' (DFI) by 2022, based on the recommendations of the Ashok Dalwai Committee. While progress has been made, achieving this target uniformly across all states and farmer categories remains a complex challenge. Telangana's new target, therefore, builds upon this national discourse but sets a much higher benchmark, indicating a paradigm shift from mere production growth to comprehensive income enhancement.

Key stakeholders in achieving this monumental target include the Telangana State Government, particularly the Agriculture Department, which will be responsible for policy formulation, scheme implementation, and monitoring. The Chief Minister's Office will provide the overarching vision and political will. Farmers themselves are crucial stakeholders, as their active participation in adopting new technologies, diversifying crops, and engaging in value-added activities will be indispensable. Agricultural universities and research institutions will play a vital role in developing high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties and providing extension services. Financial institutions like commercial banks, regional rural banks, and NABARD are essential for providing timely and affordable credit. Furthermore, the private sector, including agri-tech companies, food processors, and market aggregators, will be instrumental in creating efficient supply chains and market linkages.

This initiative holds immense significance for India. Economically, a prosperous agricultural sector in Telangana can contribute significantly to its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and, by extension, to India's GDP. Enhanced farmer income translates to increased rural consumption, stimulating demand for goods and services across various sectors. Socially, it addresses critical issues like rural poverty, farmer suicides, and distress migration to urban centers, fostering more equitable development. Politically, farmer welfare is a potent electoral issue, and the success of such a policy in Telangana could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges, potentially influencing national agricultural policy reforms. It underscores the federal structure of India, where states can lead with innovative policies under the broad framework of national goals.

From a constitutional perspective, agriculture falls primarily under the State List (Entry 14 of the Seventh Schedule), granting states the autonomy to formulate and implement agricultural policies. However, the Union government also has a role through entries like 'Economic and Social Planning' (Concurrent List, Entry 20). The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are particularly relevant, especially Article 38, which mandates the state to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people, and Article 48, which calls for the organization of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. Telangana's existing flagship schemes like 'Rythu Bandhu' (investment support scheme) and 'Rythu Bima' (life insurance for farmers) exemplify the state's commitment to farmer welfare, aligning with these constitutional directives. The target of ₹12.53 lakh income by 2047 necessitates a multi-pronged approach encompassing improved irrigation (like the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project), better access to credit, market reforms, crop diversification, and value addition.

Looking ahead, achieving such an ambitious target will require sustained political commitment and adaptive policies. Future implications include a greater emphasis on climate-resilient agriculture, adoption of precision farming techniques, integration of AI and IoT for data-driven decision making, and robust post-harvest management. There will be a need for significant investment in rural infrastructure, including cold storage, processing units, and efficient transportation networks. Promoting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and linking farmers directly to markets, perhaps through reforms in the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Acts, will be crucial. The success of Telangana's vision could inspire a competitive federalism where states vie to implement the most effective policies for farmer welfare, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and equitable India@100. However, challenges like land fragmentation, water scarcity, and global market fluctuations will require continuous innovation and strategic planning.