Andhra govt giving top priority to welfare of farmers: CM Jagan

The CM said this while participating in the Rythu Bharosa programme, organised here on Monday on the occasion of birth anniversary of late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in Jammalamadugu in this district.

Earlier, Jagan launched the YSR Rythu Bharosa programme by handing over Rs 7 lakh cheque to a woman named Ramasubbamma, whose husband, a farmer, had committed suicide unable to bear crop loss and debts.

Later the CM also launched the YSR Pension Scheme aimed at disbursing the hiked pensions at the programme.

Addressing the programme, he announced the launch of YSR “zero” per cent interest loans to the farmers. He also announced that henceforth, all welfare schemes of the YSRCP government would be "delivered at the doorstep" of the common man.

The Chief Minister launched the YSR Pension scheme from his home district, hiking the pension of the elderly people from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,250. He assured that the disabled would get a pension of Rs.3,000 while dialysis patients would be provided Rs.10,000 as pension. He said that his government decided to give farmers 9 hours of free power during day time.

“As promised by me, the aqua farmers will be provided Electricity at Rs.1.50 per unit. The entire expense of YSR Crop Insurance scheme will be borne by the government,” he said.

He informed that in Kadapa district alone, crop loans of more than Rs 1,000 crore had been extended to the farmers in just over one month after assumption of office by him.

Mr Reddy announced setting up of Agriculture Mission, comprising experts to review the agricultural scene in the State and meet the challenges faced by farmers and setting up of a Banana Research centre at Pulivendula.

He also announced the establishment of a centre for testing the quality of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides in each Assembly constituency.

“The government’s main objective is to curb farmers suicides in every possible way, but in the rare instance of a farmer committing suicide, the Collector should personally visit the bereaved family, accompanied by the local MLA” the Chief Minister said.

He said that calamity relief fund of Rs 2,000 crore would be set up to help farmers to tide over sudden disasters, natural calamities and drought.

Jagan announced to reopen the Chennur Sugar Factory, establishment of Cold Storage units to preserve produce by the farmers. He said that water storage capacity in Gandikota reservoir would be enhanced to 20 TMC.

Ministers K Kannababu, Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, MP Avinash Reddy and a host of MLAs and other leaders were present.

Earlier, the CM, along with family members including his mother and Honorary President of YSRCP Y S Vijaya Lakshmi, wife YS Bharati and sister Y S Sharimila paid floral tributes to Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy at his tomb in Idupulapaya village.

Image credit: UNI