Andhra CM Naidu Warns War Impacts Farm Exports, Announces Relief Measures
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu addressed farmers at the PM Kisan–Annadata Sukhibhava programme in Surampalli, Gannavaram constituency, highlighting how the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is creating significant challenges for Andhra Pradesh's agricultural sector.
Export Disruptions and Economic Fallout
Naidu explained that the war situation has directly affected key agricultural exports from the state. Banana shipments from the Rayalaseema region to Dubai and Gulf countries have faced substantial problems, while egg exports have come to a complete halt. This disruption could lead to falling prices and financial difficulties for local farmers and producers.
The chief minister also noted that the conflict has created gas supply issues, prompting the government to form a minister's committee to address these emerging challenges. "In times of crisis, we need to act cautiously," Naidu emphasized, while assuring farmers that global technology and knowledge would be made accessible to help them navigate these difficulties.
Financial Assistance and Support Programs
To mitigate the impact on farmers, Naidu detailed several government initiatives. Under the PM Kisan–Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, the third installment is being released to 46.85 lakh farmers, with ₹6,000 credited to each account. This installment alone involves ₹2,670 crore in transfers, with the state contributing ₹1,874 crore.
Naidu announced that a total of ₹8,985 crore has been provided to farmers this year, making the NDA government the only administration to offer ₹20,000 per farmer annually. The government has also stepped in whenever farmers failed to get remunerative prices for their produce.
Long-Term Agricultural Development
Stressing the need to move toward agriculture-based industries, Naidu revealed that food processing units are being established at Mallavalli to process and export agricultural products more efficiently. He also made a significant announcement about the creation of an Indian School of Agriculture, modeled after the Indian School of Business, which will advise farmers on ways to increase their income through modern techniques and market strategies.
Infrastructure and Compensation Efforts
Highlighting irrigation improvements, Naidu noted that water from the Godavari River was diverted through Pattiseema even before the Polavaram project to ensure timely irrigation in Krishna district. This has helped stabilize agriculture and support aquaculture development. The government has procured 47 lakh metric tonnes of paddy with payments made within 24 hours.
Regarding compensation and support, Naidu said ₹310 crore was paid for natural calamities, and a ₹500-crore price stabilization fund was established. Support has been extended to mango, tobacco, onion, tomato, cocoa, and other farmers, with ₹1,338 crore paid to those who incurred losses.
Polavaram Project and Future Plans
Referring to the Polavaram irrigation project, Naidu criticized the previous regime for damaging the project through contractor changes, which resulted in the diaphragm wall being washed away. He confirmed that the wall is now being rebuilt at a cost of ₹1,000 crore and reiterated that Polavaram would be dedicated to the nation by the Godavari Pushkarams.
Looking ahead, Naidu announced that farmer leaders will visit villages in the coming days to review ground-level issues related to water security, crop planning, and marketing. He assured that the government would stand by farmers in all regions of Andhra Pradesh, providing continuous support through these challenging times.
