Amaravati: With support of govt, State farmers reap rich dividends

Amaravati: Nature's bounty coupled with the farmer-friendly policies of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have resulted in farmers reaping rich harvest in the state. The year has seen good rainfall, bountiful crop and in the testing times of Covid, the Chief Minister gave the much-needed help by buying agricultural produce, even perishable goods, ensuring MSP (minimum support price) and checking price fluctuations.

With Polavaram poised for completion and other projects moving fast, the extent of land under cultivation would also be increased.

Though Jagan Mohan Reddy promised Rs 12,500 for four years, the amount was increased to Rs 13,500 and the period extended for five years through YSR Rythu Bharosa. Likewise, the state has set up 10,641 RBKs through which farmers will get all the services of agriculture and allied sectors.

Under YSR Free Crop Insurance scheme, the state government directly credited Rs 1,252 crore into the bank accounts of 9.48 lakh farmers who have lost their crop during 2019. Under YSR Sunna Vaddi scheme, Rs 510.32 crore was deposited into the bank accounts of 14.58 lakh farmers towards interest subsidy for 2019 kharif.

The state government has set up Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) of Rs.3000 crore aiming to provide market intervention to the farmers. The Kisan Rail left for Delhi from Anantapur carrying 138 tonne banana, 32 tonne sweet orange, 11 tonne papaya, 8 tonne watermelons and 3 tonne mangoes and 214 tonne of tomatoes.

The state has started 35 Integrated aquaculture labs in 9 coastal districts for quality testing. AP State Aquaculture Development Authority Act, 2020, AP Fish Feed (Quality Control) 2020, Amendments to AP Aquaculture Seed (Quality Control) Act 2006 and AP Fisheries University Bills were passed in Assembly to promote aquaculture.