CM Chandrababu pledges strong support for farmers at N.G. Ranga’s 125th birth anniversary

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to farmer welfare, emphasizing that no farmer in the state should feel neglected or unsupported. Speaking at the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Acharya N.G. Ranga, the CM highlighted the NDA government’s efforts to ensure fair prices for crops and timely payments to farmers.

Honoring a Legendary Leader

Chief Minister Naidu, the chief guest at the celebrations in Guntur, described Acharya N.G. Ranga as an enduring source of inspiration. “It is a pleasure to commemorate Ranga’s birth on the same day India marked 150 years of the ‘Vande Mataram’ song,” he said. Naidu recalled that, despite studying at Oxford, Ranga dedicated his life to the independence movement and farmer welfare. He also noted that both Hyderabad Agricultural University (during the united Andhra Pradesh era) and later Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University were named in Ranga’s honor.

Naidu shared how Ranga’s writings had inspired him during his Ph.D. studies on rural development. He praised Ranga for leading farmer movements at just 33 and standing against oppressive zamindari systems. Highlighting Ranga’s parliamentary contributions, he recalled the leader’s opposition to the 1964 17th Constitutional Amendment to protect farmers’ land. The CM also lauded Ranga’s record as a parliamentarian for over 50 years, noting it earned him a place in the Guinness World Records.

Government Initiatives for Farmers

Chandrababu Naidu outlined the government’s achievements in agriculture since taking office. He noted that while agriculture grew at 16.6% of GSDP between 2014 and 2019, the growth fell to 10% during the subsequent five years. Under the NDA government, the sector achieved 15.45% growth in 2024–25.

He emphasized the government’s swift action to support farmers financially, citing the procurement of 55.79 lakh tonnes of paddy worth ₹12,857 crore in 2024–25, with payments credited to 8 lakh farmers’ accounts within 24 hours. Under the “Annadata Sukhibhava” scheme, an additional ₹7,000 per farmer was also disbursed promptly.

Crop Insurance and Compensation

The CM highlighted the extensive use of technology to mitigate losses from natural disasters. Under previous governments, crop insurance payouts were lower, but the NDA administration increased compensation rates, completing 95% of crop insurance payments. Specific support included:

• Mango: ₹240 crore in MSP assistance

• Tobacco: ₹273 crore

• Cocoa: ₹14 crore

• Coffee: ₹5,000 per hectare

• Chili: ₹130 crore

• Tomato: ₹12 crore

• Onion: ₹100 crore for affected areas

He also noted that improved water management and proactive measures have filled reservoirs to 95% capacity, addressing previous deficiencies in irrigation management. Farmers in Rayalaseema have overcome drought conditions, and drip irrigation is subsidized at 100% for SC/ST farmers and 50–90% for others.

Encouraging Sustainable Practices

The CM urged tenant farmers to seek government support rather than consider extreme measures such as suicide. He recommended crop diversification to adapt to changing food habits and encouraged reduced use of chemical fertilizers in favor of organic farming.

During the event, Chief Minister Naidu also released his book, Modern Constitutional Systems . The program was attended by Minister K. Achennaidu, MP Lavu Krishnadevarayalu, agricultural university officials, and experts in the field.