Tadepalli: Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for neglecting the severe crisis faced by chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh. He urged the government to take immediate action by launching direct procurement to stabilize prices and provide relief.
Taking to X, YS Jagan highlighted that chilli yields have fallen to just 10 quintals per acre, while production costs have surged to ₹1.5 lakh per acre. With no buyers, farmers are suffering losses of ₹10,000 per acre. He accused Naidu of prioritizing political engagements in Delhi over addressing the crisis, misleading farmers instead of offering concrete solutions.
YS Jagan questioned Naidu’s move to seek Central intervention, pointing out that NAFED has never procured chillies in any state. He emphasized that the state should use Markfed for direct procurement to support farmers. Comparing his administration’s efforts, he recalled that in 2021, his government set a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹7,000 per quintal and spent ₹65,000 crore on paddy procurement.
He further criticized the weakening of Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs), e-crop verification, and price stabilization funds under Naidu’s leadership, demanding immediate corrective action.
