Andhra CM Proposes Agricultural Equipment Bank

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has proposed setting up an Agriculture Equipment Bank to provide modern farming tools to farmers at low costs.

This initiative aims to boost farm productivity and align cropping systems with market demands.

The government has already procured a significant amount of paddy and released payments to farmers promptly.

The CM also emphasized the need to cultivate fine rice varieties and millets as alternatives to paddy.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the Cotton Corporation of India's procurement process and directed officials to resolve the issues.

Additionally, he called for better market linkages for crops like chillies, banana, and lemon, and ensured that farmers receive the minimum support price to prevent price crashes.

Meanwhile, the CPI and the Andhra Pradesh Farmers Association organized a protest demanding that the government break business syndicates and set fair prices for crops.

They criticized both the Central and State governments for failing to support farmers and causing severe losses, leading to farmer suicides.

They also highlighted the lack of compensation for losses due to the recent Montha cyclone and urged the government to prioritize farmers in budget allocations and ensure purchases at fair prices.