A.P. govt. to give ₹1,10,000 per hectare to rain-hit banana farmers

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has said that the Andhra Pradesh government is taking all the necessary steps to support the farmers who suffered losses due to untimely rains.

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has said that the Andhra Pradesh government is taking all the necessary steps to support the farmers who suffered losses due to untimely rains.

Banana, corn, papaya, and paddy in several areas have been damaged due to rains, he said. 

The State government would provide an input subsidy of ₹35,000 per hectare for banana farmers, apart from ₹75,000 per hectare for undertaking cultivation again. In total, the government will extend ₹1,10,000 per hectare to the banana farmers, he said in a statement on Monday, adding that the farmers would get additional benefits if they have insurance cover.

The officials have already visited the districts of Anantapur, Sathya Sai, Kadapa, and Prakasam to gather information about crop loss. The enumeration process will begin soon in the remaining areas. Farmers should not worry. “The government stands by every single farmer,” the Minister said.

The Agriculture Minister claimed that the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government did not provide any relief to the farmers affected by untimely rains.

Referring to YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy demanding compensation for the rain-hit farmers, Mtr. Atchannaidu said,” Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy is showing concerns for the banana farmers in Pulivendula. But, he never cared for them while in power. The farmers will never forget the time when crops were used as a fodder for cattle in Pulivendula due to the lack of reasonable prices for the produce. Under Mr. Jagan’s rule, not a single rupee was given as aid to banana farmers,” he said.