Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N Uttam Kumar Reddy has hailed the Rs 3.04 lakh crore Telangana’s budget for 2025-26, presented by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu in Assembly on Wednesday, as a bold and progressive financial plan that will strengthen the state’s economy, boost agriculture, and ensure social welfare for all sections of society.
Speaking to media persons after the budget presentation, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the allocations made in the budget reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable development, rural empowerment, and food security under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
He emphasised that key investments in irrigation and civil supplies will drive long-term growth, benefiting farmers, rural communities, and the economically weaker sections.
Expressing his strong approval of the Rs 23,373 crore allocation for irrigation and command area development, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the budget prioritises completing pending irrigation projects and launching new ones, ensuring that Telangana’s farmers receive uninterrupted water supply.
He highlighted the Udaya Samudram-Brahmana Velamala Lift Irrigation Project, which will lift 6.70 TMC of water from the Udaya Samudram Balancing Reservoir to the Brahmana Velamala Balancing Reservoir. The project is designed to irrigate one lakh acres of land and provide safe drinking water to 107 fluoride-affected villages in Nalgonda and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts, bringing much-needed relief to drought-prone areas.
He also welcomed the allocation of Rs 266.65 crore for the revitalisation of the Bunadigani Canal under the Musi Project, which will enhance water distribution for farmers in Yadadri district, ensuring better agricultural output.
To ensure better management of water resources, Uttam Kumar Reddy praised the government’s plan to implement a real-time telemetry system to monitor water usage, making the process more transparent and efficient.
As the Minister for Civil Supplies, Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed satisfaction over the Rs 5,734 crore allocation for the Civil Supplies Department, which will ensure food security for millions of Telangana families.
He particularly highlighted the Rs 500 per quintal bonus for fine rice procurement, which has encouraged an increase in fine rice cultivation from 25 lakh acres to 40 lakh acres.
The Minister assured that the state’s paddy procurement system is being strengthened, ensuring farmers get fair prices and are protected from market fluctuations.