Andhra Pradesh Govt Announces MSPs for 22 Crops Ahead of Kharif Season, Gujarat & Karnataka Also Join

The Andhra Pradesh state government has unveiled its commitment to supporting farmers by announcing minimum support prices (MSPs) for 22 major crops in anticipation of the upcoming kharif season. Here's a breakdown of the key developments in this significant agricultural initiative:

Comprehensive MSP Declaration

Agriculture Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy released the list of MSPs during the recent assembly session, demonstrating the government's annual promise to announce MSPs for all crops. This commitment ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their produce and promotes agricultural sustainability.

Price Stabilization Fund

To bolster this initiative, the government has established a dedicated Price Stabilization Fund of ₹3,000 crore. This fund is designed to provide vital support to farmers and maintain stable prices for agricultural commodities.

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MSP Highlights

Some of the prominent MSPs announced include:

Chilli: ₹7,000 per quintal

Turmeric: ₹6,850 per quintal

Onion: ₹770 per quintal

Millets: ₹2,500 per quintal

Jowar: ₹3,225 per quintal

Paddy: Following central government MSPs (₹2,183 for common variety and ₹2,203 for fine variety)

Bajra: ₹2,500 per quintal

Finger millet: ₹3,846 per quintal

Red gram: ₹7,000 per quintal

Green gram: ₹6,950 per quintal

Moong dal: ₹8,558 per quintal

Groundnut: ₹6,377 per quintal

Promoting Awareness through Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs)

The government plans to create awareness among farmers regarding MSPs for different crops through Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs). These centers will play a crucial role in educating farmers about their rights and ensuring they receive the fair prices promised by the government.

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Discouraging Distress Sales

Minister Reddy emphasized that farmers should refrain from resorting to distress sales, even if market prices fall below the MSP. The government is committed to supporting farmers and ensuring they receive the remunerative prices they deserve.

Procurement through CM APP

To facilitate seamless procurement, the government will use the CM APP at Rythu Bharosa Kendras. Additionally, each RBK will be declared as a procurement center, simplifying the process for farmers.

Gujarat Joins MSP Initiative

Support for Groundnut and Soybean Farmers

In a parallel development, the Gujarat government has also taken steps to support farmers. It has announced the purchase of 9.98 lakh metric tonnes of groundnut and 91,343 metric tonnes of soybean at MSPs, amounting to a total payout of ₹6,784 crore. Farmers can register on the e-Gram portal between September 25 and October 16, and the procurement process will commence on October 21.

Strategic Procurement Centers

The government's procurement centers will be strategically located near the regions where these crops are grown. This approach ensures that farmers have convenient access to these centers when selling their produce.

Campco Limited Appeals for MSP Extension in Karnataka

Protecting Rubber Growers

Campco Limited has submitted a request to Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking the extension of an MSP scheme for rubber growers similar to the one implemented in Kerala. The appeal underscores the need to safeguard the interests of rubber cultivators in Karnataka, where a significant number of growers operate.

With these proactive measures, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are taking significant strides in providing essential support and security to their farming communities, ultimately contributing to the overall sustainability of agriculture in India.

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