Asserting that his government was committed to fulfilling all the promises it made before the elections, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the government was making all-out efforts to mobilise resources required for loan waiver assured to farmers and DWCRA groups.
The government was prepared to take loans, if need be, to keep the promise it made to farmers and self- help group women and a concrete plan of action in this direction would be put in the public domain before November 15. The government had released budgetary allocation of Rs. 5,000 crore for farm loan waiver and it would pay 20 per cent or more to banks to ensure that farmers secured fresh loans without any hassles.
“I appeal to the DWCRA women not to pay interest on their loans. The government is prepared to bear the burden as and when necessary and we will ensure that DWCRA women secured fresh loans,” he said. The government was committed to implementing its promise of providing Rs. 10,000 to each woman of DWCRA groups and was prepared to bear the Rs. 8,000 crore that would be required to make the SHGs strong again.
ADVERTISEMENT
The government had initiated steps like allocating 25 per cent proceeds from sand auctions to DWCRA groups and the balance would be utilised to fulfil farmers’ loan waiver. Mr. Naidu, who inaugurated the office of the Farmers’ Empowerment Corporation here on Tuesday, spoke elaborately on the steps initiated by his government in spite of the financial crisis that gripped the State post bifurcation.
He said the 10-year Congress rule had plunged the farm sector into crisis with crop holiday being declared in Konaseema, the region traditionally known for foodgrains production. The uncertainty during the Congress regime and the party’s unilateral decision to bifurcate the State for political gain had landed Andhra Pradesh in a financial crisis while Telangana was left with power shortfall.
Holistic servicesADVERTISEMENT
About the new corporation, he said the entity was created to provide holistic services to farm sector, including the assistance need on the extension side. “The entire Agriculture Department would be moved here shortly, including the Agriculture Commission, to advise farmers on scientific approaches needed for enhancing productivity,” he said.
The government, accordingly, gave priority to soil health protection, better pest management practices and reduction of chemical pesticides and fertilisers that could bring down the input costs. A memorandum of understanding was signed with the ICRISAT for conducting a soil health survey that would encompass micro-nutrient content to ensure that productivity was enhanced significantly. The government would also give big push for mechanisation of agriculture as it would go a long way in enhancing yields.
Agriculture Minister P. Pulla Rao presided over the meeting that was attended by a host of senior leaders, including Ministers, MPs and MLAs.