Farmers’ Welfare is Congress Government’s Priority: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar

DECCAN FREEDOM NEWS

SIDDIPET, JANUARY 17

State Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar emphasized that the Congress government remains committed to the welfare of farmers. On Friday, he inaugurated a red gram procurement center established by NAFED and TG Markfed in Siddipet, ensuring direct access for farmers to sell their produce at fair prices.

The minister announced a minimum support price of ₹7,550 per quintal for red gram and urged farmers to utilize the procurement centers to avoid exploitation by middlemen. He highlighted significant achievements under the Congress administration, such as ensuring paddy payments within 48 hours, enhancing the Rythu Bharosa scheme, implementing a ₹2 lakh loan waiver, and providing a ₹500 bonus for fine rice farmers.

Minister Prabhakar assured the public that Rythu Bharosa benefits would begin distribution on January 26. He also pledged ration cards for all eligible families, housing for those in need, and a ₹12,000 annual payment to landless agricultural laborers.

The minister revealed plans for Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao to visit Siddipet soon to promote oil palm cultivation, aiming to diversify crops and enhance farmers’ incomes.

The inauguration event was attended by District Collector Manu Chowdhary, Additional Collector Abdul Hameed, RDO Sadanandam, District Library Chairman Lingamurthy, Marketing Officer Nagaraju, and Siddipet Agricultural Market Committee Secretary Venkataiah, along with several Congress leaders and representatives.

₹12,000 Annual Aid for Farmers

In a separate media interaction at Husnabad, Minister Prabhakar elaborated on the Rythu Bharosa scheme, stating that ₹12,000 per acre would be credited to farmers’ accounts in two installments each year. He clarified that non-agricultural lands, such as rocky or hilly areas, would not be eligible for the scheme.

Additionally, he announced that under the “Indiramma Atmiya Kanuka” initiative, ₹12,000 will be granted to landless agricultural laborers. The minister also confirmed the distribution of new ration cards starting January 26, reflecting the Congress government’s continued focus on improving rural livelihoods.

Congress leaders and other public representatives were present at the media interaction, reiterating their commitment to the welfare of farmers and rural development.