Tenant farmers demand policy reforms and support from government !!!

Andhra Pradesh:- The number of tenant farmers in Andhra Pradesh is on the rise, with 70% of the land now cultivated by tenant farmers. Despite the challenges and low profitability, many landless poor from various castes, including Dalits and backward classes, are turning to tenant farming in hopes of securing basic sustenance.

Call for Reforms

M Haribabu, State Secretary of Andhra Pradesh Tenant Farmers Association, has called on the government to issue CCR (Crop Cultivator Rights) cards to tenant farmers without requiring the landowner’s signature. Speaking at the Tenant Farmers Mandal Conference held at Ambedkar Community Hall in Mamidikuduru mandal, he highlighted the urgent need for policy changes to support the tenant farmers.

Rising costs and challenges

Haribabu outlined the significant challenges faced by the tenant farmers, including skyrocketing prices for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, and equipment rentals. Unpredictable weather conditions, such as heavy rains and storms, further exacerbate their difficulties. Despite these hardships, government support remains inadequate, with insufficient repairs to crops and sewers and a lack of access to loans from government banks.

Abandoning agriculture

Haribabu noted that while many landowners are abandoning agriculture, tenant farmers are taking on the responsibility of food production for the entire population. He emphasized the need to support these farmers who continue to bear the burden of cultivation.

Legislative hurdles The 2011 LEC Act, which was a significant victory for farmers, was altered by the 2019 government, making the landowner’s signature mandatory on CCR cards. This change has led to a significant reduction in the number of cards issued, with many actual tenant cultivators being excluded. The issuance process has been criticized for favoring landowners, their followers, and relatives, resulting in an increase in benami (proxy) cards.

Demands for change

The tenant farmers are demanding the repeal of the existing CCRC Act and the re-implementation of the LEC Act, 2011, to support the 40 lakh tenant farmer families across the state. They also called for sincere efforts from both Central and State Governments to address their issues, including implementing Swaminathan’s recommendations and ensuring a 50% premium over the market price for their produce.

Immediate demands

Removal of the requirement for the landowner’s signature for CCR cards, with issuance through gram sabhas instead.

Provision of loans by banks based on the scale of finance to all cardholders.

Extension of farmer insurance to landless OC tenant farmers, regardless of caste.

Repair of crop drains.

Subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.

District President Appari Venkateswara Rao presided over the conference, with participation from State leaders B Balaram Andramalyadri, District Secretary Peethala Ramachandra Rao, Rajolu Constituency Telugu Rythu President Eeli Srinivasa Rao, and several tenant farmers including Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, Tatikayala Udayabaskara Rao, Pechchetty Vijay Baskara Rao, Tadi Srirammurthy, and Polamuri Srinivasa Rao.

The call for reforms highlights the ongoing struggles of tenant farmers and the need for substantial policy changes to ensure their livelihoods and the state’s agricultural productivity.