Metro India News | AMARAVATI

YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday accused the TDP-led NDA government of neglecting tobacco farmers and demanded immediate intervention through AP Markfed to ensure Minimum Price Support (MSP).Speaking to reporters at Podili in Prakasham  district, he said that the prices have plummeted from Rs 360 to Rs 240 per kg, leading to "suicides" in a few places due to "lack of government help".

"Two farmers have died. The government must ensure Rs 280 per kg or we will launch an agitation," he told reporters. The former CM alleged that the NDA government procured only 40 million tons against 220 million tons of projected tobacco. He highlighted that paddy was procured at Rs 300 below MSP, while cocoa and palm oil prices drastically fell, exposing alleged neglect of the agriculture sector. The initiatives of the previous YSRCP government like 'Rythu Bharosa' were helpful but now middlemen dominate and farmers lack inputs and market support he claimed.

He alleged that MSP are denied across crops--chilli, cotton, turmeric, millets--contrary to promises made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during election campaigns. He further alleged that over 600 farmer suicides were reported during Naidu's previous (2014-2019) tenure and compensation was given only after YSRCP took office in 2019.

Meanwhile, tension prevailed during the YSCRP's visit as women protesters demanded an apology over remarks aired on a vernacular news channel allegedly insulting Amaravati women. Protesters held black balloons and banners reading 'Go back Jagan', calling for accountability from YSRCP. The situation turned violent, leading to stone pelting and minor injuries to a few policemen and people. Minister Nara Lokesh condemned the attack alleging that the YSRCP activists targeted peaceful women protesters injuring several, including police personnel.