Farmers decry government inaction, demand solutions for irrigation and compensation

Tirupati: Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Association State Vice Presidents A Ramanaidu and Hemalatha have expressed strong dissatisfaction with both the central and state governments, accusing them of failing to address the persistent issues faced by farmers. As part of a nationwide protest, the association submitted a memorandum to the District Revenue Officer (DRO) at the Tirupati District Collector’s office on Wednesday, seeking urgent solutions for farmers’ grievances.

Incomplete irrigation projects and water shortages

The leaders criticized the state and central governments for neglecting farmers in budget allocations, calling it an attack on their livelihoods. They demanded the immediate completion of the Somashila Swarnamukhi canals in Tirupati district, which would provide irrigation and drinking water to Rapur, Dakkili, Venkatagiri, Yerpedu, Srikalahasti, Renigunta mandals. They also urged for a connection between the canal and the Mallimadugu Thondamanadu lake, as well as the Kalyan dam to ensure a stable water supply for Tirumala Tirupati.

Support for mango and sugarcane farmers

Highlighting the upcoming mango season, the leaders called for the establishment of a dedicated board for mango farmers. They also demanded that sugar factories be reopened and pending dues to sugarcane farmers be cleared without further delay.

Remunerative prices for milk producers

Farmers expressed frustration over the lack of fair prices for milk producers in the district and urged the government to ensure immediate support to sustain dairy farming.

Compensation for crop losses

The association raised concerns over the failure to supply quality seeds in Erpedu mandal, leading to significant crop failures. They demanded compensation for affected farmers who suffered financial losses due to poor-quality seeds.

Allegations against officials

Expressing disappointment over bureaucratic apathy, the farmers’ leaders accused Tirupati District Joint Collector Shubham Bansal of neglecting their concerns. According to them, when they arrived to submit their petition at 10:45 AM, they were made to wait for two and a half hours under the pretext of a video conference, only to be directed to the DRO instead. They condemned the behaviour of the Joint Collector and DRO, alleging that they treated farmer leaders disrespectfully and attempted to suppress public grievances.

Demand for accountability

The association called for disciplinary action against officials who allegedly favour ruling party leaders while disregarding public representatives. They warned that if officials continued their indifferent attitude toward farmers’ issues, public outrage would escalate.

Suspicion over photo restrictions at Collector’s Office

The farmers also questioned the DRO’s decision to restrict the taking of photographs while submitting petitions, suggesting that it raised doubts over transparency in the functioning of the Collector’s Office.

Several farmer leaders, including K Padmanabhar Reddy, Govindaswamy, Dasari Janardhan, Chinnam Penchalayya, and Mahesh, participated in submitting the petition.