Amaravati: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting chilli farmers facing financial distress due to falling market prices. He emphasized that the administration’s primary objective is to ensure farmers do not suffer losses and urged exporters, traders, and commission agents to cooperate with the government in stabilizing the market.
During a review meeting with farmers, traders, exporters, and officials at the Secretariat, Chandrababu Naidu assured that if the price of chillies drops below Rs 11,781 per quintal, procurement will be facilitated through the central government. Additionally, he announced measures to provide bank loans to farmers storing their produce in cold storage facilities.
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The Chief Minister stated that permissions would be granted for chilli container transportation via the Krishnapatnam Port terminal. He also directed officials to take strict action against lorry owners in the Guntur market yard, following complaints from farmers about exploitation. Further, he assured that infrastructure improvements would be made at the Spice Park in Guntur.
Naidu recalled that he had written to the Centre on December 26 last year and again on February 5 and 11 this year, seeking intervention on the chilli price issue. Farmers informed him that cultivation costs had significantly increased, with per-acre expenses reaching Rs 3-3.5 lakh. They raised concerns over black thrips infestation affecting quality and yield, rising labor costs, and traders arbitrarily reducing prices by Rs 500 per quintal.
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In response, the Chief Minister directed officials to install electronic weighing machines in the market yard, ensuring that farmers receive instant SMS notifications upon weighing their produce. He also instructed officials to arrange loans against stored chilli stocks and improve facilities at the Spice Park in Guntur. Emphasizing the importance of fair trade, he stated that every rupee earned from sales should go directly to the farmers.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Vijay Anand, Minister Atchannaidu, and other senior officials.