The city may not have to depend on neighbouring states for supply of vegetables much longer as the Telangana government has announced 75% subsidy for greenhouse farming in 1,000 acres around Hyderabad.
In greenhouse farming, temperature is regulated in a way that it suits the crop being cultivated. "Vegetables that cannot be cultivated in a particular season can be cultivated any time of the year with greenhouse farming. When this happens, prices of vegetables would naturally come down," agriculture commissioner B Janardhan Reddy told TOI. Moreover, the problem of insects is also taken care of and there is not much danger of losing the crops.
Nearly 370 farmers growing vegetables and flowers in around 120 acres in the state are said to be reaping the benefits of their quality produce. With increased productivity, farmers are even selling their produce to other states, with flowers mainly being exported to other countries. According to agriculture department officials, another 300 applications have come in seeking the subsidy.