An all-party forum in Nandyal on Friday demanded that the temporary Collectorate functioning from the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) premises be shifted immediately and the infrastructure created for agricultural research be restored to the institution.

The forum also demanded cancellation of the allotment of two acres at the Nunepalle market yard for construction of a Telugu Desam Party office, arguing that the land should be preserved in the interests of farmers.

Speaking at a public awareness programme at Gandhi Chowk, Rayalaseema Irrigation Sadhana Samithi president Bojja Dasaratharamireddy said weakening the RARS would jeopardise the interests of farmers and food security. The research station, with a history of around 125 years, had played an important role in agricultural development, including the development of high-yielding seed varieties and the growth of the seed industry in the region, he said.

Mr. Dasaratharamireddy objected to research buildings and an Advanced Seed Laboratory constructed with funds from the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and NABARD being used for Collectorate purposes. He questioned how scientists could conduct research peacefully amid the movement of people in a busy Collectorate campus.

The forum leaders also questioned the government’s claim that land was unavailable for the Collectorate when two acres had allegedly been allotted for a political party office at the market yard.

The forum said it would intensify its campaign with public support. It plans to hold another awareness programme at the Nuneppalle market yard on Saturday and submit separate petitions to the Collector during the Prajavani Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) programme on August 24, seeking protection of the RARS and the market yard.

Published - August 21, 2026 08:17 pm IST