Amaravati, Oct 30 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has claimed that farmers in Andhra Pradesh have been left without any support since the coalition government assumed power, labeling the ongoing agrarian crisis as a man-made disaster orchestrated by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

In a video conference with party regional coordinators and district presidents from the party central office amidst the backdrop of Cyclone Montha, he assessed the ground situation and engaged in discussions regarding the circumstances in the affected districts.

YS Jagan highlighted that during the tenure of the YSRCP government, comprehensive crop insurance was systematically provided, encompassing 85 lakh farmers and 70 lakh acres, with the government covering the insurance premiums on behalf of farmers. Over five years, a total of Rs. 7,802 crore was distributed as compensation to 54.55 lakh farmers.

He contrasted this with the current scenario, where only 19 lakh farmers and 19 lakh acres are insured, primarily those who have secured bank loans, as banks collected the premiums while issuing credit.

The former Chief Minister stated that for the past two years, the current government has failed to pay premiums for any season, leaving the majority of farmers vulnerable and in severe financial distress.

“What about the remaining farmers? Where is their crop security? This is evidently a man-made disaster,” he emphasized.

He pointed out that the agriculture sector has significantly declined under the TDP-led coalition over the last 16 months. The government has not provided an input subsidy, despite needing to pay Rs. 600 crore to 5.5 lakh farmers, and has not supported farmers in any cropping season.

He reminded that E-Crop was abolished, Rythu Bharosa Kendras were dismantled, and farmers have been denied fair prices for their produce. He mentioned that promises such as procurement prices for chilli, tobacco, mango, and onion have been disregarded, along with the commitment of Rs. 50,000 per hectare compensation.

Under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, farmers were supposed to receive Rs. 40,000, but they were given only Rs. 5,000, which he termed as blatant deception by Chandrababu Naidu.

“Farmers have faced hardships every season, and this government has never come to their aid. When a government acts responsibly, lives are not lost. During Montha, their publicity was rampant, but actual relief on the ground was entirely inadequate,” he stated.

YS Jagan commended party leaders and members for supporting the populace during the cyclone and directed them to be steadfast with farmers during crop damage evaluations.

He insisted that no farmer should encounter injustice in the enumeration process, and if the government attempts any manipulation, party leaders must challenge it and ensure corrections. He stressed that farmers must receive just compensation and instructed leaders to be vigilant and proactive to ensure no beneficiary is overlooked.

Referring to the coalition government's move to privatize newly established government medical colleges, YS Jagan reiterated that the public opposition against privatization will persist vigorously.

He noted that the one-crore signature campaign mirrors public sentiment, and rallies are scheduled in all Assembly constituencies on November 11, having been postponed due to Cyclone Montha.