1 hr ago

Naidu Orders Market Measures to Control Essential Commodity Prices

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu wants to stop essential food prices from rising too much.

He told officials to study how much food people need before deciding what farmers should grow.

The government will monitor production, supplies and market prices.

It may buy crops from farmers at guaranteed prices or make buy-back agreements.

Rythu Bazars and ration shops will be used to sell important goods at controlled prices.

Onions, red gram and palm oil are among the products planned for these outlets.

The government also wants to bring 8.61 lakh hectares of unused land under rain-fed farming.

Officials said many horticultural crops could be damaged, so ₹190 crore was set aside for irrigation support.

The state will also promote millets and natural farming and report measures related to El Niño to the Centre.

Key facts

Uncultivated land targeted: 8.61 lakh hectares are to be brought under rain-fed crops.
Horticultural crops at risk: Officials reported that 3.61 lakh hectares were at high risk.
Irrigation allocation: ₹190 crore was announced for life-saving irrigation.
Public distribution channels: Nearly 60 essential commodities are to be supplied through Rythu Bazars and ration shops.
Planned commodities: Onion and red gram are to be supplied through these channels, while palm oil is also planned for ration shops.
Promoted crops: Millets, ragi, foxtail millet, jowar, bajra, maize and horse gram are to be encouraged.
Additional measures: Officials were directed to report monthly to the Centre on steps addressing the impact of El Niño.

deccanchronicle.com · 1 hr ago