AP Farmers’ groups stage statewide agitation over unfulfilled promises

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh farmers staged protests across district centers on Wednesday, demanding the central and state governments fulfill promises made during the 2021 Delhi farmers’ movement. At a dharna held at Vijayawada’s Lenin Center on Wednesday, leaders of various farmers’ associations criticized policies that they claim favor corporate interests over agricultural welfare.

Unmet promises and policy failures

Addressing the protest, Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham Samiti State Convener Vadde Shobhanadriswar Rao accused the central government of betraying farmers by failing to implement recommendations from the parliamentary committee on minimum support prices (MSP) and financial assistance. He also condemned the proposed Electricity Amendment Act and new agricultural policies, alleging they would push small farmers into corporate control.

He further criticized the Telugu Desam-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh for neglecting irrigation projects vital for drought-prone regions. He demanded immediate completion of the Telugu Ganga, Pulasubbayya Velugonda, Galeru Nagari, and Handri-Neeva projects and prioritization of the Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanti project.

Loan waivers and fair pricing demands

State General Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham, KVV Prasad, demanded the government enact a law mandating MSP for all crops based on C2+50% formula, waive farm loans, and introduce a Kerala-model loan waiver law to prevent farmer suicides. He urged the revival of the price stabilization fund and insisted that the government procure crops directly, setting Rs 20,000 per quintal for chilli.

Plummeting crop prices leave farmers in crisis

Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Association State President Gujjula Eswaraiah highlighted the severe price drops for crops like chilli, sorghum, maize, cotton, tomato, onion, groundnut, and tobacco. He criticized the Tobacco Board for refusing to purchase white burley tobacco and noted that the price differential scheme for chillies was ineffective. He also accused the state government of failing to support mango farmers despite their crops being devastated.

Recognition and rights for tenant farmers

State General Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Tenant Farmers’ Association, P Jamalaya, condemned the central government for not recognizing tenant farmers and demanded that PM Kisan scheme benefits be extended to them. He also called for separate crop loans for tenant farmers, regardless of the landowner’s loans, and ex-gratia payments for families of farmers who died by suicide.

Tenant Farmers’ Association State Secretary Haribabu demanded identity cards for tenant farmers cultivating temple lands and called for legal land titles for barren land cultivators.

Farmers condemn anti-agriculture policies

All India Kisan Federation President Reddy Venkat Reddy accused the Telugu Desam-led coalition government of blindly implementing anti-farmer laws from the Center, including the SECI agreement and smart meter installations. He urged an immediate rollback of these policies.

Leaders from various farmers’ unions, including Rythu Kuli Sangam and Jagruti Rythu Sangam, also demanded:

The withdrawal of the National Agricultural Market Policy
Investment assistance of Rs 20,000 under the Annadata Sukhibhav scheme
Relief funds for farmers affected by natural disasters

Labour union leaders and farmer representatives from across the state participated in the protest, vowing to continue the struggle until their demands are met.