Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious plan to revitalize the state’s failing agriculture sector, promising to increase farmer incomes and boost food production.
Speaking at a farmers’ convention in Vijayawada, Reddy announced a slew of measures aimed at transforming the state’s agriculture sector, which has been struggling with declining yields and farmer incomes in recent years.
“We are committed to making Andhra Pradesh the food bowl of India,” Reddy said, addressing a gathering of over 5,000 farmers. “Our government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that our farmers get the best possible prices for their produce and that our state becomes self-sufficient in food production.”
The plan, dubbed “Rythu Bharosa” (Farmer’s Promise), includes a range of initiatives aimed at increasing farmer incomes, improving crop yields, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Some of the key features of the plan include:
- A minimum support price of ₹2,000 per quintal for paddy, ₹5,000 per quintal for cotton, and ₹10,000 per quintal for turmeric
- A ₹10,000 crore fund to provide interest-free loans to farmers
- A comprehensive crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from crop failures and natural disasters
- A network of 10,000 farm extension centers to provide training and technical support to farmers
- A plan to promote organic farming and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Reddy also announced plans to set up a state-of-the-art agricultural university in the state, which will focus on research and development of new crop varieties and farming techniques.
The Chief Minister’s announcement has been welcomed by farmers’ organizations and agriculture experts, who say that the plan has the potential to transform the state’s agriculture sector.
“This is a game-changer for Andhra Pradesh’s farmers,” said K. Ramachandra Rao, president of the Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Association. “The Chief Minister’s plan addresses all the major issues facing our farmers, from low prices to lack of access to credit and technology.”
