BHARATH NEWS DIGITAL: AMARAVATI:
THE COALITION GOVERNMENT IS LEADING FARMERS TOWARDS PROFITABILITY — AP MINISTER ATCHANNAIDU.
Andhra Pradesh Agriculture, Cooperation, and Marketing Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu stated that the prices of chilli and palm oil crops in the state this year are profitable for farmers. He recalled that last year, when chilli prices fell drastically, the government immediately became alert, consulted with the central government, and announced a market intervention price to stabilize the price. However, the minister said that the situation has completely changed this year. Atchannaidu said that as a result of farmers undertaking crop diversification, keeping in mind the experiences of last year, and the timely policy decisions taken by the coalition government, chilli prices are steadily increasing this year. He said that farmers are happy with the current good prices in the market. The minister clarified that the government will intervene in the market only when necessary, and the coalition government does not have policies that unnecessarily disrupt the market.
The minister stated that chilli cultivation is widespread in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Palnadu, Kurnool, Prakasam, Anantapur, NTR, Nandyal, Guntur, and Bapatla districts. The minister stated that while cultivation took place on approximately 1.96 lakh hectares in 2024-25, chili cultivation is underway on 2.67 lakh acres during the 2025-26 Kharif season. He mentioned that an estimated production of around 5.39 lakh metric tons is expected this season. The minister informed that continuous training programs are being conducted at the village level through farmer service centers on quality seeds, nursery management, and integrated pest management. He added that training is being provided on IPM and INM methods with the aim of producing high-quality chilies free from pesticide residues. He also stated that chili quality standards are being improved with the cooperation of Digital Green and ITC. The minister revealed that while common varieties fetched a price of Rs. 12,500 per quintal and special varieties Rs. 13,500 last season, prices are currently ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 19,500 this year. Minister Atchannaidu stated that due to the policy decisions taken by the coalition government, not only chilies but all crops are receiving better prices.
The minister stated that Andhra Pradesh state ranks first in the country in terms of oil palm cultivation area, production, and productivity. He said that approximately 1.97 lakh farmers in the state are cultivating oil palm on 2.49 lakh hectares, achieving an average productivity of 19.81 metric tons per hectare. Achchennaidu said that with the government issuing orders to follow the Oil Extraction Ratio (OER) with the aim of increasing farmers’ income, an average price of Rs. 19,579 per metric ton was obtained. He said this was the highest average price recorded in the last 10 years. The minister stated that so far, funds amounting to Rs. 18,128.48 lakhs have been released, of which Rs. 13,425.02 lakhs have been released directly to the farmers. The minister mentioned that new oil palm cultivation has been expanded to 24,130 hectares so far. Minister Achchennaidu said that the government is taking steps to ensure that farmers in the state receive maximum benefits by taking advantage of this situation.
The minister severely criticized YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, alleging that instead of reassuring farmers during periods of falling prices, he made even more negative statements, playing with the lives of the farmers. He accused him of making fear-mongering comments every time prices fell, even though he knew that the market is never constant, thus causing the market to decline even further. While any political leader should stand by the farmers during a time when prices are falling due to the impact of international conditions, Jagan Mohan Reddy, for his political gain, played with the future of the farmers, Achchennaidu fumed.
The minister said that it is because the alliance government, which gave assurance to the farmers, took the right decisions that the prices of chili and palm oil are currently at record levels. He said that the farmers are happy, and this is a testament to the performance of the alliance government. The minister revealed that they are providing full support in drip irrigation to further encourage palm oil cultivation. He criticized Jagan Mohan Reddy for disappointing the farmers by neglecting drip irrigation subsidies during the previous government. He stated that the alliance government is encouraging farmers by implementing drip irrigation in over one lakh hectares every year. The minister clarified that this will lead to long-term changes in the agricultural sector. He said that the alliance government is moving forward with the goal of increasing farmers’ income. Minister Achchennaidu stated that price stability, reduction of cultivation costs, and implementation of modern methods are their policies. He asserted that the alliance government is the only government that benefits farmers through actions, not just words. He said that an action plan has been prepared to promote horticulture in Rayalaseema, coffee cultivation, cashew and coconut plantations in North Andhra, and aquaculture in Coastal Andhra through the Purvodaya scheme. The minister said that if the central government allocates funds for the projects undertaken in these sectors under the Purvodaya scheme, good results will be achieved. The minister said that Rayalaseema is already a horticulture hub, and farmers there are cultivating 65 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. He added that the people of the region can avail significant subsidies and concessions under the Purvodaya scheme. Minister Atchannaidu stated that this will substantially reduce costs for the farmers.
RAVI KUMAR AND KOTA SREENIVAS // SENIOR JOURNALISTS// HYDERABAD.
