T is ‘living proof’ of rural transformation: Bhatti

Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Thursday said the launch of Earth Summit-2025 in Hyderabad underscores the state's emergence as ‘living proof' that rural transformation is possible when "innovation and intention come together."

He was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural edition of the two-day summit organised by Nabard and the Internet and Mobile Association of India at the Hitex exhibition centre on the theme ‘Empowering rural innovation for global change.'

Highlighting the govt's farmer-first approach, Vikramarka cited the loan waiver of around Rs 20,000 crore–Rs 21,000 crore, the Rythu Bharosa income support of Rs 12,000 per acre annually, paddy procurement through SHGs with timely payments, and a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal over the MSP. He said these measures are aimed at improving rural incomes while strengthening the state's agri value chain.

More than 75 exhibits and about 50 start-ups are showcasing innovations ‘from soil to satellite.' The summit features multi-track sessions on digital public infrastructure, geospatial intelligence, climate action, cooperatives, rural enterprises and agri fintech.

The deputy CM also pointed to the govt's focus on irrigation, digital crop records, post-harvest systems, and a 43,000-km digital backbone connecting almost every gram panchayat. He stressed the push for renewable energy and women-led solar entrepreneurship, adding that agriculture is not just an economic sector but the essence of India. He acknowledged Nabard's role in strengthening this foundation.

He urged stakeholders to move forward with ‘compassion, courage and confidence,' expressing optimism that "the best days for India are still ahead."

He added that on Dec 8 and 9, the govt is set to host a summit at ‘Future City,' a visionary initiative aimed at showcasing Telangana's long-term development goals. He encouraged the public to participate in the event, which he said would include a comprehensive visual presentation of the state's achievements and aspirations.

Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao also attended the summit. As host state, Telangana is joined by Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and West Bengal.

Corporates, fintechs, startups, technology leaders, policymakers, academic institutions, FPOs, SHGs, financial institutions, multilateral agencies and social enterprises from Southern, Eastern and North-Eastern India are taking part.



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