Tadepalli: Former Minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao has criticized the coalition government for failing to support farmers and neglecting paddy procurement, leading to widespread hardships. Speaking to the media on Friday, Rao highlighted the absence of key welfare measures that were implemented during the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government.
He stated that under Jagan’s leadership, paddy was procured directly from over 35 lakh farmers, and payments were deposited into their bank accounts without the involvement of middlemen. In contrast, the current administration has allowed miller syndicates and intermediaries to flourish, further burdening the farming community.
Rao pointed out that essential initiatives like e-cropping and insurance have been abandoned by the coalition government. “Paddy mounds are scattered along roadsides due to the lack of a structured procurement system. Earlier, we ensured transparency through tagging mechanisms, which are now discontinued,” he added.
Highlighting the successful welfare programs of the YSRCP government, he said, “We provided ₹13,500 annually under Rythu Bharosa and distributed essential goods through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Now, the government barely offers rice and sugar.”
Demanding immediate intervention, Rao urged the government to purchase paddy directly from farmers and take action against illegal rice exports orchestrated by mafia groups.
