Farmers suffering an unprecedented crisis under Naidu’s rule

Rajamundry, Nov 21:  YSRCP Rythu Sangham State President Junnuri Rama Rao said farmers can never expect justice or welfare under Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, as his regime consistently pushes them into distress. He said cotton, groundnut, maize, and banana crops are ready for harvesting across the state, yet the government has shown zero interest in procurement or price support. Maize, which should fetch an MSP of Rs. 2,400 per quintal, is not even getting Rs. 600, and the government has made no attempt to stabilise prices. Farmers severely affected by Cyclone Midhili (Montha) have received no relief, and CCI is refusing to procure cotton. In Krishna and Guntur districts, cotton purchases are halted on the pretext of colour change, leaving farmers helpless.
Rama Rao said banana farmers in Rayalaseema, who were selling their produce at Rs. 18,000–Rs. 20,000 per tonne, have now been pushed to distress-level prices of just Rs. 1,000 per tonne, forcing them to use bananas as cattle feed for the first time in the state’s history. Groundnut farmers, too, are reeling after the government reduced import duties, which has severely damaged local growers. Onion and mango farmers have also suffered heavy losses and urgently need compensation.
He recalled that during the YSRCP government, agriculture experts stationed at every RBK ensured the timely supply of seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, along with accurate crop advisories, helping farmers plan their harvests with confidence. Today, under Chandrababu’s administration, farmers face uncertainty, no support, and no respect. He demanded immediate intervention, compensation, and restoration of farmer-support systems to prevent further collapse of the agriculture sector.