The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh is set to roll out its Annadata Sukhibhava scheme aimed at farmers from Saturday. A part of the ‘Super Six’ promises guaranteed by the TDP in its election manifesto, the scheme promises to give Rs 20,000 per year to farmers in the state, with support from the Centre.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will launch the scheme at Veerayapalem in Prakasam district on Saturday, and 46,85,838 farmers in the state are expected to benefit from it.
Naidu said that the coalition government’s promise of Rs 20,000 per year per farming family will be fulfilled through the Annadata Sukhibhava and PM Kisan schemes. Along with an annual aid of Rs 6,000 from the Centre, the state government will provide an additional Rs 14,000. The state will disburse this in three instalments.
In the first phase, the state government will directly deposit Rs 5,000 into each farmer’s account, amounting to a total outlay of Rs 2,342.92 crore. The Centre will contribute Rs 2,000 per farmer in the first phase, amounting to Rs 831.51 crore. Thus, Rs 7,000 will be credited to each farmer on Saturday. The money is expected to help farmers purchase raw materials, including seeds and fertiliser, ahead of the sowing season.
The government will release Rs 5,000 in the second phase, and Rs 4,000 in the third.
Apart from extending financial help to farmers, efforts were also being made to improve irrigation facilities by encouraging inflows into the Srisailam Project, Naidu said.
Meanwhile, 59,750 grievances were registered under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, of which 58,464 have been resolved. A toll-free number, 155251, has been issued to resolve queries regarding the scheme, officials said.
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“We are fulfilling our promises to farmers by launching Annadata Sukhibhava. Politicians may frame policies, but officials are the ones who implement them. Everyone in the system must act with accountability. Intimation messages must reach beneficiary farmers a day in advance through Manamitra. Ensure that farmers are aware and able to activate their accounts,” Naidu said.
“There are reports of declining papaya prices. These issues must be reviewed and justice ensured for farmers. District collectors must be responsible regarding fertiliser supply; no shortage should be allowed. With continued inflows into the Srisailam project, projects like Gandikota, Brahmasagar, Somasila, and Kandaleru must be filled to 100 per cent capacity. Reservoir water levels must be assessed, and water management should be done meticulously,” Naidu directed district collectors.
