Are Farmers in Distress in Andhra Pradesh?
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Synopsis
YSR Congress Party leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy calls for immediate action from the Andhra Pradesh government to support distressed farmers facing plummeting prices and rising crop costs. He warns of potential protests if average prices for cotton are not secured. The situation highlights the urgent need for government intervention.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers are experiencing severe distress due to falling prices.
- Two suicides highlight the urgent need for government intervention.
- Jagan demands the involvement of Markfed to stabilize prices.
- Input costs have increased while prices have decreased.
- Farmers are missing out on Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
Amaravati, June 11 (NationPress) YSR Congress Party president and former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy made an urgent appeal on Wednesday for the Andhra Pradesh coalition government led by Chandrababu Naidu to guarantee an average price for cotton farmers. He warned that if this demand is not met, farmers would initiate a protest.
Jagan reiterated the plight of farmers in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the tragic suicides of two tobacco growers who were left without assistance from the coalition government. He urged the TDP-led administration to involve Markfed as a buyer during auctions to secure average prices for the farmers.
After engaging with tobacco farmers at the Tobacco Board in Podili, Prakasam district, Jagan Mohan Reddy pointed out that the prices for tobacco have significantly dropped. With no support from the Andhra government, two farmers—one from Paruchuru and another from Kondepi—took their own lives.
He criticized the Andhra government for permitting a 20 percent increase in cultivation area while failing to provide the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
"The difference in just one year is evident; farmers have been thrust back into uncertainty, having previously enjoyed timely subsidies, inputs, and marketing support from the state government," Jagan Mohan Reddy stated.
The former chief minister noted that when the YSRCP was in power, tobacco sold for Rs 360 per kg, but now the price has plummeted to Rs 240 per kg for the graded variety.
Despite the Naidu government approving the expansion of cultivation, it has only procured 40 million kgs out of the promised 220 million kgs.
"Input costs have risen, crop area has expanded, yet prices have fallen, pushing farmers into distress. We demand the government engage Markfed as a buyer at auctions and ensure at least an average price of Rs 280. If not, we will mobilize farmers for a protest," Jagan Mohan Reddy warned.
The YSRCP chief further alleged that farmers are not receiving MSP for any crop, citing that paddy was procured at Rs 300 less than the MSP, reflecting the TDP government's disregard for farmers.
Jagan mentioned that 'Rythu Bharosa' was operational during the sowing season when the YSRCP was in power. He criticized the current state, where the Central component is present, but the state’s share is lacking.
Due to the closure of Rythu Bharosa Kendralus, farmers are struggling to access quality seeds, e-cropping, marketing, and other services, as middlemen have taken over under the Naidu administration.
Moreover, Jagan accused Naidu of failing to fulfill his promise of providing MSP to chilli growers, asserting that farmers across various sectors, including millet, cotton, and turmeric, are suffering due to the absence of MSP, a situation that has deteriorated in just one year.
Point of View
It's critical for the government to address the farmers' needs promptly. The alarming reports of suicides and falling prices underscore the urgency for systemic changes and support mechanisms. It is imperative that the state government acts decisively to restore farmers' confidence and ensure their livelihoods are protected.
NationPress
12/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns raised by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy?
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed concerns over falling prices for cotton and tobacco, the lack of support from the government, and the tragic suicides of farmers due to financial distress.
What does Jagan demand from the government?
He demands that the government guarantee an average price for cotton farmers and involve Markfed as a buyer during auctions to support the farmers.
How has the government's approach affected farmers?
Farmers have reported increased input costs and a failure to receive the Minimum Support Price, leading to significant distress and uncertainty in their livelihoods.
What historical context does Jagan provide regarding tobacco prices?
Jagan highlighted that under the previous YSRCP administration, tobacco was sold for Rs 360 per kg, but prices have now dropped to Rs 240 per kg, reflecting the current challenges faced by farmers.
What is the significance of Rythu Bharosa in this context?
Rythu Bharosa was a program in place during Jagan's administration to support farmers with timely subsidies and services. Its current inadequacies are contributing to the farmers' plight.
