Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Atchannaidu stated the state government is fully prepared to support farmers during the Kharif season of 2024, aiming for a record production. The government will provide subsidized seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring their timely availability across all distribution points.
A budget of ₹1,600 crore has been allocated for seed subsidies, benefiting approximately 40 lakh farmers. High-quality seeds will be available at 60% subsidy for paddy, 75% for pulses and oilseeds, and 50% for cotton. Fertilizer distribution will be monitored closely to prevent shortages and black marketing.
The government plans to establish 10,000 temporary procurement centers to facilitate direct purchase of produce from farmers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices. Focus will be on procuring paddy, maize, and other key crops.
Rythu Bharosa scheme will continue, providing financial assistance to eligible farmers. The government is also prioritizing irrigation projects to enhance water availability for agriculture. Measures are being taken to address power supply issues in rural areas to support irrigation needs.
Atchannaidu emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting natural farming practices and providing training to farmers on sustainable agriculture techniques. Support will be extended to farmers adopting these methods.
The Agriculture Department will conduct regular field visits to assess crop conditions and provide necessary guidance to farmers. A dedicated helpline will be available to address farmer grievances and provide timely information. The government aims to achieve a total sown area of 1.35 crore acres during the Kharif season, with a focus on increasing productivity and ensuring farmers’ welfare. The minister also highlighted efforts to improve storage facilities and prevent post-harvest losses.
