Jagan: Mango farmers in AP forced to dump stock for cheap; no MSP for multiple crops

Amaravati: Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has come down heavily on the CM Chandrababu Naidu-led government, accusing it of adopting repressive measures against ‘anti-social’ farmers and failing to address their distress, especially mango growers in the State.

‘Farmers harassed during visit’

Jagan alleged that farmers were detained, beaten and harassed during his recent visit to Banagarupalem. He stated that despite harsh restrictions and biased media portrayals, the massive turnout of farmers exposed the government’s ‘propaganda machinery’.

‘Mango farmers forced to dump crop’

Highlighting the plight of mango growers, Jagan said that around 76,000 farmers cultivating mango in 2.2 lakh acres produced 6.5 tonnes this season but were denied even the minimum price for the past two months, forcing them to dump their produce by the roadside.

‘Government failed to ensure fair prices’

Questioning the government's intent, he asked, “If mango farmers are not in distress, why did the government announce Rs 4 per kg as compensation? Why were factories directed to buy at Rs 8 per kg while JDS leader Kumaraswamy secured a Centre assurance to buy at Rs 16 per kg?”

He further sought details on how many farmers actually received the promised compensation.

‘Deliberate slump to benefit few’

Jagan alleged that the market crash was orchestrated to benefit ‘close associates’ such as Galla Factory and Srini Foods. He pointed out that during his government’s tenure, mango prices ranged from Rs 25 to Rs 29 per kg and blamed the present government for pulp factories not starting procurement on time this year.

‘No MSP for multiple crops’

He criticised the government for failing to procure paddy, chilli, cotton, jowar, sorghum, millets, peas, maize, sajja, ragi, banana, onion, sugarcane, cocoa, tobacco and mango, accusing it of lacking integrity.

‘Price stabilisation fund missing’

Recalling his government’s initiatives, Jagan said a ‘Price Stabilisation Fund’ of Rs 3,000 crore was set up, with Rs 7,800 crore spent on purchasing crops other than paddy. He lamented that such support systems have disappeared under the current regime, along with input subsidies, free crop insurance, and RBK services.

‘Farmers branded as anti-social elements’

“It is audacious to dub farmers, youth, women and students as anti-social elements for raising questions about unfulfilled welfare schemes,” he said, adding that farmers never faced such severe hardships under his government.