The Finance Minister of Siddipet, T Harish Rao, announced on Sunday that the BRS government is providing Rs.10,000 compensation per acre to farmers who suffered losses due to the recent hailstorm. This move showcases the Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s concern for farmers. The announcement was made during a sprinkler distribution ceremony, where 763 farmers were given sprinklers to help them raise horticulture silk units under the State department’s supervision.
During his speech, the Finance Minister criticized the BJP for speaking about farmers, stating that it was akin to demons quoting scriptures after claiming the lives of 800 during the anti-farmer agitation in the national capital. He further added that the BJP leaders were describing the Rs.10,000 assistance to farmers as inadequate and challenged them to secure Central funds. He stated that if they can get Rs.10,000 from the Centre, the State government would stand by farmers and offer them Rs.20,000.
The minister also asserted that facilities like ‘Rythu Bandhu’, ‘Rythu Bheema’, and free 24-hour power were being provided to State farmers, which was not available in other parts of the country. He questioned whether BJP-ruled States were offering similar welfare schemes to their farmers.
Rao recalled that neighbouring States were organizing dharnas and agitations demanding such welfare schemes there. He claimed that as against paddy cultivation in 97 lakh acres across the country, the State accounted for 56 lakh acres, while the share of Andhra Pradesh was only 16 lakh acres.
He also accused Congress and BJP of indulging in tall talk and alleged that neighbouring States were collecting money by fixing meters to farm motors. However, he affirmed that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had firmly declared his resolve to oppose the meters.
The minister observed that if leaders of these parties go to Kaleshwaram project, they would know whether its water was flowing into canals. Overall, the government’s compensation scheme and welfare schemes for farmers indicate its commitment to the well-being of farmers in the State.
