Telangana govt. approves outsourcing of 175 Horticulture Extension Officers

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The State Horticulture and Sericulture Department is set to recruit 175 new Horticulture Extension Officers on an outsourcing basis, following the issuance of an order by the State government on Thursday. As per the order, these officers will work under the administrative control of the Director of Horticulture, Hyderabad, for a period up to March 31, 2026, or till the regular posts are filled up or till the actual need ceases, whichever is earlier. They will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹22,750.

However, the Telangana State Horticulture Officers Association (TGHO) has raised objections to the government’s decision, citing concerns that many of these officers to be recruited, who had worked under the Micro Irrigation Programme (MIP) till 2020, lack the necessary qualifications, such as a Diploma or Degree in horticulture.

“It is not right to continue their services again as they do not possess a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture. If eligible candidates are given the posts, farmers can receive advice in a scientific manner,” said an office-bearer of the TGHO, adding that they are requesting the government to appoint qualified officers.

The TGHO has demanded that the government sanction new Horticulture Extension Officer positions on a regular basis, similar to the Agriculture department. They also want the number of existing horticultural officers to be doubled to ensure adequate coverage.

The current staff strength in the Horticulture Department has remained unchanged since its sanction in 1982, despite the vast potential for growth in vegetable, fruit, and palm oil cultivation. Each Horticulture Officer currently has to travel to 5-10 mandals, and only 100 personnel are working at the field level across the State.

When contacted over phone, Director of Horticulture Department Shaik Yasmeen Basha said that the department would provide required training to the proposed Horticulture Extension Officers before sending them to the field. She also mentioned that employees who had worked with the MIP had been requesting the government for postings.

Published - July 17, 2025 08:13 pm IST

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