Chandrababu writes to Union Minister seeking support for maize

Additionally, the letter sought immediate approval to implement the scheme through coordinated efforts between NAFED and AP Markfed, enabling smooth procurement and direct benefit transfer to farmers

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging immediate intervention to support maize farmers facing falling market prices during the 2025-26 rabi season.

In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted the growing distress among farmers cultivating maize across the state, as market prices have dropped significantly below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). While the MSP for maize stands at Rs 2,400 per quintal, current market rates have fallen to between Rs 1,600 and Rs 1,700 per quintal, leaving farmers exposed to heavy financial losses.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is expected to produce around 42.06 lakh metric tonnes of maize this season, with an additional 14.26 lakh metric tonnes still in the harvesting stage. He warned that unless timely procurement support is extended, farmers would be forced to sell their produce at distress prices.

To address the crisis, Chandrababu Naidu requested the Centre to procure maize or extend support through the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme under the PM-AASHA framework. He specifically urged that farmers be compensated for the gap between the MSP and prevailing market prices, ensuring they receive fair returns for their produce.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the Union government to bear 100% of the financial burden for the price deficiency payments in Andhra Pradesh, citing the scale of production and the urgency of the situation. He further requested that the scheme be extended until June 2026 to cover the entire procurement cycle.

Additionally, the letter sought immediate approval to implement the scheme through coordinated efforts between NAFED and AP Markfed, enabling smooth procurement and direct benefit transfer to farmers.

Emphasising the need for swift action, Chandrababu stated that without central assistance, the financial burden on the state would increase significantly, while farmers would continue to face uncertainty and losses.