Agriculture – Andhra Pradesh Government Targets Relief Measures for Struggling Farmers
Agriculture – Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu has strongly criticised recent statements made by leaders of the YSR Congress Party regarding the condition of farmers in Andhra Pradesh. He accused the previous administration of failing to protect cultivators during its five-year tenure and said many farming families were pushed into financial hardship due to weak agricultural policies.
According to the minister, farmers across several districts struggled with rising debts, irregular supply of seeds and fertilisers, and uncertainty over crop prices during the previous government’s rule. He claimed that despite repeated promises, cultivators did not receive the level of institutional support that had been projected publicly.
Concerns Raised Over Welfare Schemes
Atchannaidu questioned the effectiveness of the Rythu Bharosa programme, stating that the scheme did not bring meaningful relief to a large section of farmers. He said several cultivators continued to face economic pressure even after the welfare initiative was introduced.
The minister also referred to the condition of horticulture growers, particularly mango farmers, who reportedly suffered due to inadequate marketing arrangements and declining export opportunities. He noted that the absence of stable market channels affected earnings during crucial harvesting periods.
He further stated that many farmers were forced to sell their produce at lower rates because proper procurement systems were either delayed or not functioning efficiently. According to him, this situation benefited private traders and middlemen more than the growers themselves.
Maize Farmers Faced Pricing Challenges
Speaking about maize cultivation, the minister alleged that the Minimum Support Price mechanism was not implemented effectively under the previous administration. As a result, maize farmers were unable to secure fair returns for their produce in several regions.
He claimed that inadequate MSP enforcement weakened farmer confidence and increased dependence on private buyers. Atchannaidu added that cultivators repeatedly raised concerns over pricing issues, but those grievances did not receive timely attention.
The minister also accused the earlier government of neglecting farmer demonstrations and focusing more on political messaging than agricultural administration. He remarked that leaders who failed to strengthen the Agriculture Department were now attempting to lecture others on farmer welfare.
Coalition Government Announces Corrective Steps
Highlighting the present administration’s approach, Atchannaidu said the coalition government has started taking corrective measures to improve conditions for cultivators. He stated that procurement centres are being strengthened to ensure smoother crop purchases and quicker payments to farmers.
The minister said efforts are underway to stabilise prices for mango growers and improve access to marketing facilities. He added that the government is also paying close attention to MSP implementation for maize farmers to prevent exploitation by intermediaries.
According to him, officials have been instructed to monitor procurement activities more closely and address field-level complaints without delay. He said the administration wants farmers to receive better institutional backing and transparent support systems.
Focus Remains on Agricultural Welfare
Atchannaidu maintained that farmer welfare remains one of the coalition government’s key priorities. He urged opposition leaders to avoid what he described as “cheap criticism” and instead contribute constructively if they genuinely care about the farming community.
He said the government intends to rebuild trust among cultivators through policy reforms, timely procurement, and stronger market support. The minister also stressed the importance of ensuring that agricultural departments function efficiently to meet farmers’ needs across the state.
The remarks come at a time when agricultural support, crop pricing, and rural welfare continue to remain major political and economic issues in Andhra Pradesh. With cultivation costs rising and market uncertainties affecting several crops, both the ruling coalition and opposition parties are expected to keep farmer-related policies at the centre of political debate in the coming months.