Niranjan Reddy criticises suspension of 150 AEOs over digital crop survey

HYDERABAD: Former Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy has condemned the suspension of 150 Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) for refusing to participate in the Digital Crop Survey. In a statement, he criticised the action, calling it unjust and unnecessary.

Niranjan Reddy pointed out that in other states, such surveys are being conducted with the support of agencies and other departments using central government funds. He questioned why AEOs in Telangana are being burdened with this responsibility. He reminded that under the BRS government, 5,000 acres have been allotted to each AEO to benefit farmers.

He highlighted that 1,500 new AEO positions were created, and 2,601 Rythu Vedikas were established to support agricultural expansion in the state. The former minister also praised the role of AEOs in boosting agricultural production and helping Telangana become a leading state in farming.

Niranjan Reddy demanded that the government appoint necessary assistants for the Digital Crop Survey, or outsource the task to agencies. He expressed concern over the safety of AEOs, especially since many are women, who are being sent to remote agricultural areas without proper security.

He further questioned the logic behind adding more responsibilities to AEOs, who are already managing 49 tasks. The threat of terminating outsourced workers was also criticised, with Niranjan Reddy accusing the government of using intimidation tactics. He voiced his discontent over what he termed as an authoritarian approach to governance in the state.