News

Central Team Visits Prakasam to Assess Cyclone Damage

Nov 11, 2025 | 408 Views

A Central Government delegation visited Prakasam district to assess the damage caused by Cyclone 'Michaung' and assured that a comprehensive report would be submitted to the Government. The team — comprising P. Pousumi Basu, Mahesh Kumar, Shashank Shekhar Rai, and Sai Bhagirath, along with State Disaster Management Authority MD Prakhar Jain — was received by District Collector P. Raja Babu, Joint Collector R. Gopalakrishna, and DRO B. China Obulesu at Ongole. The officials briefed the team on extensive losses in agriculture, aquaculture, roads, irrigation, rural water supply, power, and urban infrastructure. A special photo and video presentation showcased pre- and post-cyclone conditions and the relief measures undertaken by the district administration. The Central team also inspected paddy fields, prawn ponds, and cotton crops across several villages including Alluru, Koppolu, and Nagulapalapadu. Farmers shared their distress, citing crop rot, damaged embankments, and loss of aquaculture farms. The team expressed concern, noting that many farmers had lost their entire crops. Collector Raja Babu informed that 12,570 hectares of agricultural land were affected — including 8,313 ha of cotton, 1,557 ha of paddy, 1,388 ha of vegetables, and 1,260 ha of maize. Public representatives, including MLAs Damacharla Janardhan Rao, B.N. Vijay Kumar, and others, submitted representations seeking immediate central assistance for the affected families and sectors.

CM Revanth Reddy Unveils Telangana Horticulture Vision 2035

Oct 10, 2025 | 532 Views

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy unveiled the State Horticulture Development Plan–2035, outlining a roadmap to expand fruit and vegetable cultivation and enhance productivity across the state. The plan, prepared by the Telangana Horticultural University, targets an expansion of 1.32 lakh acres for fruits and 2.45 lakh acres for vegetables over the next five years. It estimates that an investment of ₹921.40 crore for cultivation and ₹942.50 crore for drip irrigation could yield up to fourfold returns for farmers. The plan emphasizes integrating university-developed technologies to achieve an annual production value of ₹1,341 crore. Districts suitable for expanding fruit crops like guava, papaya, banana, pomegranate, dragon fruit, and custard apple, and vegetables like tomato, brinjal, carrot, onion, and leafy greens, were identified based on soil and climate conditions. The strategy promotes off-season vegetable cultivation, shade-net farming, and protected agriculture to ensure year-round availability. To enhance yields, the plan calls for custom hiring centers at every mandal to facilitate access to farm machinery, and the use of weather-based advisories to minimize crop losses. It also proposes establishing cold storage units, pack houses, and refrigerated transport to reduce post-harvest losses. For export promotion, an integrated pack house will be set up near Hyderabad International Airport. The government aims to empower Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to manage production, marketing, and collective sales. A marketing intelligence cell will be established jointly by the Horticulture University and Agricultural Marketing Department to provide farmers with real-time price and demand forecasts, ensuring better income and reduced wastage.

Sprouted Trouble: 4 Common Vegetables to Avoid Eating

May 18, 2025 | 635 Views

Although sprouts are packed with protein, fiber, and vital nutrients, consuming them raw can be hazardous to health—particularly for children, pregnant women, and individuals with autoimmune disorders. Experts caution that raw or undercooked sprouts, including alfalfa and kidney beans, can harbor dangerous bacteria like E. coli, which can result in food poisoning. Individuals with weak immune systems or sensitive digestion may experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort. Onions, garlic, and potatoes that have sprouted can also turn toxic or unpalatable, particularly if they exhibit mold, an unpleasant smell, or a mushy texture. Phytohaemagglutinin, which can damage the gut lining if not cooked properly, is found in sprouted kidney beans. If you belong to a high-risk category, it’s advisable to either cook sprouts thoroughly or avoid them altogether.

Nuts, Seeds, and a Balanced Diet Could Help Prevent Diverticulitis

May 13, 2025 | 690 Views

New research confirms that nuts and seeds do not increase the risk of diverticulitis, challenging previous dietary advice. The study followed nearly 30,000 women with no history of the disease and found that those who adhered to healthy diets—such as the DASH diet, Mediterranean diet, and other balanced eating patterns—had a reduced risk of developing diverticulitis. These findings align with earlier research in men and suggest a shift in dietary recommendations. Experts now agree that a high-fiber diet, including nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, supports colon health. While severe cases of diverticulitis may require surgery, most mild cases can be managed with diet and monitoring.