AIKMS demands identity cards and support for tenant farmers

Andhra Pradesh: The All India Kisan Mazdoor Sangham (AIKMS) has urged the Andhra Pradesh government to immediately recognize and support tenant farmers by issuing identity cards and extending financial and welfare benefits. The appeal was made during a petition submission to the Tahsildar in Yemmiganur on Monday.

Identity cards for tenant farmers a priority

Speaking at the event, AIKMS District General Secretary M Satyanna emphasized the urgent need for issuing official identity cards to all tenant farmers in the state. He noted that without proper identification, tenant farmers are denied access to many welfare schemes and benefits, pushing them further into vulnerability.

Demand for unconditional agricultural loans

Satyanna demanded that the government facilitate bank loans of Rs 2 lakh per hectare for tenant farmers without imposing collateral requirements. He stressed that current loan practices exclude tenant farmers, depriving them of much-needed capital to sustain agricultural operations.

Compensation for climate-induced crop loss

Citing the adverse impact of excessive rainfall and drought on tenant farmers, he urged the state to immediately deposit compensation into their accounts post-cultivation. He said tenant farmers often bear the brunt of natural calamities without any institutional support.

Equal access to subsidies

The AIKMS leader insisted that all subsidies—particularly for fertilizers and seeds—must also be extended to tenant farmers. “Tenant farmers contribute significantly to agricultural output and should not be left out of government aid,” he argued.

Rs 10 lakh compensation for suicide victims’ families

Drawing attention to rising farmer suicides, Satyanna demanded that the families of tenant farmers who died of suicide due to debt should be paid a compensation of Rs 10 lakh. He called on the state to recognize the human cost of agrarian distress and act with urgency.

Direct benefit transfers without discrimination

He also urged the government to ensure that all direct benefit schemes, including Rythu Bharosa and PM-KISAN, are extended to tenant farmers without conditions. “Tenant farmers must be treated equally in all welfare programs,” he said.

The petition submission was supported by AIKMS division leaders Narasimhulu, Ramudu, Hanumanthu, and Krishna. IFTU division secretary Balaraju and leaders Babu, Praveen, and Moses also participated, lending solidarity to the cause and echoing the demands for justice and support to tenant farmers.