YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has questioned the government’s announcement to attract Rs 1 lakh crore in investments for developing horticulture crops in Rayalaseema.
Jagan said the government should explain how much has actually been allocated and spent through the state budget in line with such a large investment proposal. He said publicity-driven announcements would not address the problems faced by farmers on the ground.
Jagan Raises Concerns Over Rayalaseema Horticulture Farmers
Jagan alleged that horticulture and agricultural farmers have not received adequate support over the past two and a half years. He pointed to concerns over remunerative prices, crop insurance, price stabilisation measures and other farmer welfare schemes.
He questioned whether the government was effectively implementing the price stabilisation fund and crop insurance schemes when farmers were struggling to get remunerative prices for their produce.
According to Jagan, changes in the implementation of farmer welfare schemes have increased the financial burden on farmers.
Questions Over Zero-Interest Loans and Input Subsidies
Jagan also alleged that the government has weakened the zero-interest loan scheme for farmers and that input subsidies are not reaching farmers on time.
He said the immediate priority should be providing direct financial and agricultural assistance to farmers rather than focusing only on announcements about attracting massive investments into the horticulture sector.
Rayalaseema Farmers Face Water Shortage
Jagan also expressed concern over the drought conditions in Rayalaseema, saying thousands of acres of horticulture crops are facing water shortages.
He questioned how farmers in drought-prone areas were struggling to secure water for their crops despite Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s claims of focusing on water management.
Jagan also raised questions over the status of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project, alleging that works have stalled and that the government has not taken adequate steps to revive the project.
Farmers Spending Up to Rs 2,000 Per Water Tanker
Jagan claimed that a large number of borewells have dried up due to drought conditions in Rayalaseema. As a result, farmers growing horticulture crops are reportedly spending around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per water tanker to protect their crops.
He said the additional cost of purchasing water is placing a further financial burden on farmers already struggling with crop losses and uncertainty over market prices.
Jagan Seeks Immediate Relief for Drought-Hit Farmers
Jagan demanded that the government first provide immediate assistance to drought-affected farmers before making announcements about creating a Rs 1 lakh crore horticulture hub in Rayalaseema.
He urged the government to take urgent measures to address the water shortage, support farmers and protect horticulture crops across the drought-affected areas of the region.
The YSRCP leader said long-term investment plans for Rayalaseema’s horticulture sector should be backed by concrete budget allocations, timely farmer support and measures to ensure reliable water availability.
