Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has urged the Central government to extend strong support for the revival of the agriculture sector in the State.
Mr. Atchannaidu met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday in New Delhi and pressed for a reduction in GST on mango pulp from 12% to 5%, highlighting the distress of mango farmers in Chittoor, Tirupati and Annamayya districts.
Later, speaking to reporters, he criticised the previous YSRCP government, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, for neglecting farmers and failing to leverage Central schemes, which he claimed led to widespread damage to the agriculture sector. He noted that nearly 64% of Andhra Pradesh’s population depends on agriculture and allied activities.
Restoration of courses
In a key development, the Minister announced that the Centre has approved the restoration of third and fourth-year B.V.Sc. and A.H. courses at the Garividi Veterinary College under Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University for 2022–23 and 2023–24, after a gap of two years.
Mr. Atchannaidu accused Mr. Jagan of staging political events under the guise of condolence visits, alleging misuse of funds and mobilisation of crowds from outside. He warned that the government would not tolerate any disruption to public order.
Highlighting recent support for mango farmers, the Minister said 3.5 lakh tonnes of mangoes had been procured at ₹12 per kg, and a proposal for ₹130 crore under the Market Intervention Scheme had been sent to the Centre. He dismissed claims of fertilizer shortages, stating that over 8.73 lakh tonnes are available in stock.
Urging the farmers not to believe misinformation spread by YSRCP leaders, he assured that the government is taking timely steps and ensuring fertilizers are available through private dealers, societies and Rythu Seva Kendras. He warned that dealers creating artificial scarcity or selling fertilizers above MRP would face strict action. He reiterated the government’s commitment to putting the agriculture sector back on track with the Centre’s cooperation.
