Chandrababu Naidu has done nothing for farmers, alleges YSRCP

Srikakulam:  YSRCP farmers wing president M V S Nagi Reddy alleged that the TDP government had completely failed to fight against the Central government over the welfare of farmers and ensuring the enhancement of minimum support price (MSP).  

Speaking at a meeting of leaders of all-party farmers’ associations at YSRCP office here on Wednesday, Nagi Reddy pointed out that the Centre’s increase in MSP for different crops was meagre when compared to 81 per cent raise, i.e. from Rs 550 to Rs 1,000 for a quintal of paddy, during YS Rajasekhar Reddy’s rule during 2004 to 2009.

Later, during 2009-2014, the MSP was increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,300 for paddy, he added. The YSRCP leader also credited Rajasekhar Reddy for farm loan waiver, low fertiliser prices besides free power for cultivation. 

He said that the MSP for paddy has increased only 12 per cent from 2014 to 2018 and for the groundnut it was a meagre 2.5 per cent. The increase in MSP for cotton and maize was only 8 per cent, he added.

YSRCP senior leader Dharmana Prasada Rao accused the TDP government of pursuing ‘anti-farmer’ policies since it came to power in 2014. He alleged that benamis of a TDP minister had siphoned off subsidy on black gram in Jalumuru and other mandals in Narasannapeta and Tekkali Assembly constituencies.

“Not content with sand, clay and land grabs, the TDP leaders are also exploiting farmers,” Prasada Rao said. He added that YSRCP leaders were showing concern over farmers issues in the state and were striving to solve their problems. 

YSRCP farmers’ wing district president G Raghuram, party leaders D Srinivas, A Suribabu, Ch Ravi, P Srihari, farmers leaders from CPI, CPM and Congress also attended the meet.