Centre neglecting farmers issues in non-BJP states

Vijayawada: Agriculture minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy said the Centre was neglecting the farmers issues in non-BJP ruled states.  Laying foundation stone for Agriculture Bhavan to be constructed at a cost of Rs 4 crore here on Wednesday, Somireddy said the BJP government was not extending any benefits to farmers in state as per the assurances.  

Stating that the Centre promised to implement recommendations of Swaminathan committee, he said the state government had to release funds additionally for Central government schemes due to its failure in the implementation.  

The minister said state government was paying high prices for various crops as the Centre did not accept the recommendations state fixation committee on crops prices. 

Somireddy recalled that the government has allotted lion’s share of funds in the budget for farm sector considering it as prime occupation. Stating the government waived farm loans worth Rs 24,000 crore, he said the farmers were being provided tractors on subsidy as part of mechanisation. MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, corporator K Sailaja and farm officials were present.