Jagan visits Guntur chilli yard, calls for fair prices for farmers

Guntur – Andhra Pradesh: Former Chief Minister and YSRCP Supremo YS Jagan Mohan Reddy visited the Guntur chilli yard on Wednesday, interacting with distressed farmers struggling with low prices for their produce. He criticized the TDP-led government for failing to ensure a minimum support price (MSP) and pledged support for the farming community.

Farmers struggling with falling prices

Chilli farmers expressed their grievances to Jagan, highlighting how crop prices have plummeted under the current government. “Last year, during the YSRCP government, chilli prices ranged from Rs 21,000 to Rs 27,000 per quintal. Today, we are struggling to sell even for Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000,” farmers lamented.

The cost of cultivation has also soared, with farmers investing Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per acre, only to face losses due to pest infestations and market instability. “The yield has fallen from over 20 quintals per acre to just 10–15 quintals,” some farmers explained.

Allegations against the coalition government

Jagan accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of neglecting farmers’ issues. “Despite the Guntur chilli yard being so close to the Secretariat and CM’s residence, the government has turned a blind eye to their plight,” he said.

He alleged that the previous systems ensuring MSP, such as the Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) and e-crop registration, have been weakened under the current administration. “Earlier, farmers could call a toll-free number, and the government would intervene to ensure fair prices. Today, no such support exists,” Jagan claimed.

Concerns over fertilizer and seed supply

Farmers also raised concerns over quality control in fertilizers and seeds. “Under YSRCP, the government ensured quality inputs through RBKs, but now we are forced to buy from private dealers at inflated prices,” farmers said. Reports suggest that fertilizers are being sold at Rs 100 to Rs 400 above market rates, adding to the burden on farmers.

Jagan’s call for government intervention

Jagan urged the state government to take immediate action to support farmers. “If Chandrababu Naidu does not address this crisis and ensure MSP, there will be serious consequences,” he warned, hinting at intensified protests.

The chilli farmers of Guntur, like many others across the state, are awaiting urgent policy interventions to secure fair prices and financial stability.