CM Chandrababu Assures Support for Chilli Farmers, Discusses Polavaram Project with Union Ministers
Press Release
• Spoke to Union Minister on the falling chilli prices – Farmers will be supported.
• Price drop due to declining international demand.
• Discussed Polavaram progress and central assistance with Jal Shakti Minister.
• Sought central support to divert Polavaram waters to Banakacharla.
• Utilising water that would otherwise be wasted into the sea.
• CM N. Chandrababu Naidu addressed a media conference in Delhi.
• Attended Delhi CM's swearing-in ceremony.
New Delhi, February 20: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has assured chili farmers that there is no need to panic over the recent drop in prices. He stated that he had already discussed the issue with the central government. "This time, the prices have fallen significantly. Previously, the international market was strong, ensuring good returns for farmers. However, due to a decline in global demand, prices have dropped," said the Chief Minister.
CM brought the concerns of chili farmers to the attention of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Since the minister was on an official tour, the matter was discussed via video conference. "On Friday, the Union Minister will hold a review meeting with officials," Naidu added. Following this, the Chief Minister also met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to discuss central assistance for the Polavaram project.
Request for Central Assistance to Support Farmers
He said that the state needs to procure 1.2 million metric tons of chili this year, of which 400,000 metric tons have already arrived in the market. Chili cultivation has been carried out on approximately 500,000 acres in the state, and the price drop has severely impacted farmers. "We have requested the central government to intervene and support farmers. Under the Market Intervention Scheme, only 25% is provided. However, price determination should consider the cost of cultivation. We have urged the Union Minister to rectify these issues," Chandrababu Naidu stated. He informed the media that the Union Minister has assured that a decision will be taken after a review meeting on Friday.
"Our primary objective is to support farmers in any way possible. On Saturday, we will meet with traders and market committee representatives to understand the reasons behind the price drop. We have already sent three letters to the central government. Additionally, state officials have been in discussions with central authorities. We have come to Delhi with the sole intention of protecting the interests of chili farmers, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that farmers do not suffer losses," the CM asserted.
Criticises those who Ignored Farmers in the Past
"Crop prices fluctuate—sometimes they rise, and sometimes they fall. Those who did nothing for farmers in the past are now speaking up. Before 2019, when prices dropped, we released Rs. 138 crore to support chili farmers—something unprecedented in the country. Once again, it is the NDA government that will provide financial assistance. Some are engaging in political opportunism by entering the chili yards. The election code applies to all political parties, yet they claim it does not apply to them just because they are not contesting. Despite the Election Commission’s directive, they ignored it and engaged in illegal activities. They even sought security for their unlawful actions. Should the police protect for criminal activities?" Naidu questioned.
Feasibility study on Banakacharla
CM Chandrababu Naidu also met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to discuss the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Polavaram project. "The Polavaram works are progressing smoothly, and our target is to complete the project by 2027. We also discussed river interlinking. If we utilise the water that is currently being wasted into the sea, Andhra Pradesh can become drought-free. We have sought central assistance to divert Polavaram water to Banakacharla. A central team will visit the state to study the feasibility," he said.
Regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission, Naidu stated, "The aim is to provide tap water to every household. However, the previous government failed to utilize even 1% of this scheme. The central government allocated Rs. 27,000 crore to the state, yet instead of laying pipelines, they proposed borewells. States like Uttar Pradesh have effectively utilized Rs. 50,000 crore, and Gujarat has ensured continuous water supply to every home. The central government has extended the project deadline to 2028. However, based on past allocations, Andhra Pradesh will only receive Rs. 27,000 crore. To supply tap water across all regions, an additional Rs. 54,000 crore will be required. We will continue discussions with the central government regarding this matter. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Rs. 27,000 crore is being prepared, and we will seek central funding," He said.
Impact of Poor Governance by Previous Administration
Chandrababu Naidu criticised the previous administration, stating, "The Jal Jeevan Mission is an example of how poor governance can negatively impact citizens. Over the past five years, 93 centrally sponsored schemes were rendered ineffective. After we took office, we allocated matching grants for some schemes and ensured that funds were utilized efficiently. Utilizing central schemes benefits the state significantly. However, due to the inefficiency of the previous government, numerous issues arose, which we are now working to resolve,” he said.
Maximising the Use of Water Resources
Naidu highlighted the importance of utilising water resources efficiently. "Andhra Pradesh is geographically positioned at the tail end of river flows. During my tenure as Chief Minister in the united Andhra Pradesh, I completed several projects to ensure Telangana received adequate water. Now, we are focusing on utilizing the water that is currently flowing into the sea. Andhra Pradesh has the opportunity to harness this wasted water. True politics is about working for the people, and the NDA in Andhra Pradesh is committed to working with integrity and dedication," he added.
• Spoke to Union Minister on the falling chilli prices – Farmers will be supported.
• Price drop due to declining international demand.
• Discussed Polavaram progress and central assistance with Jal Shakti Minister.
• Sought central support to divert Polavaram waters to Banakacharla.
• Utilising water that would otherwise be wasted into the sea.
• CM N. Chandrababu Naidu addressed a media conference in Delhi.
• Attended Delhi CM's swearing-in ceremony.
New Delhi, February 20: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has assured chili farmers that there is no need to panic over the recent drop in prices. He stated that he had already discussed the issue with the central government. "This time, the prices have fallen significantly. Previously, the international market was strong, ensuring good returns for farmers. However, due to a decline in global demand, prices have dropped," said the Chief Minister.
CM brought the concerns of chili farmers to the attention of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Since the minister was on an official tour, the matter was discussed via video conference. "On Friday, the Union Minister will hold a review meeting with officials," Naidu added. Following this, the Chief Minister also met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to discuss central assistance for the Polavaram project.
Request for Central Assistance to Support Farmers
He said that the state needs to procure 1.2 million metric tons of chili this year, of which 400,000 metric tons have already arrived in the market. Chili cultivation has been carried out on approximately 500,000 acres in the state, and the price drop has severely impacted farmers. "We have requested the central government to intervene and support farmers. Under the Market Intervention Scheme, only 25% is provided. However, price determination should consider the cost of cultivation. We have urged the Union Minister to rectify these issues," Chandrababu Naidu stated. He informed the media that the Union Minister has assured that a decision will be taken after a review meeting on Friday.
"Our primary objective is to support farmers in any way possible. On Saturday, we will meet with traders and market committee representatives to understand the reasons behind the price drop. We have already sent three letters to the central government. Additionally, state officials have been in discussions with central authorities. We have come to Delhi with the sole intention of protecting the interests of chili farmers, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that farmers do not suffer losses," the CM asserted.
Criticises those who Ignored Farmers in the Past
"Crop prices fluctuate—sometimes they rise, and sometimes they fall. Those who did nothing for farmers in the past are now speaking up. Before 2019, when prices dropped, we released Rs. 138 crore to support chili farmers—something unprecedented in the country. Once again, it is the NDA government that will provide financial assistance. Some are engaging in political opportunism by entering the chili yards. The election code applies to all political parties, yet they claim it does not apply to them just because they are not contesting. Despite the Election Commission’s directive, they ignored it and engaged in illegal activities. They even sought security for their unlawful actions. Should the police protect for criminal activities?" Naidu questioned.
Feasibility study on Banakacharla
CM Chandrababu Naidu also met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to discuss the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Polavaram project. "The Polavaram works are progressing smoothly, and our target is to complete the project by 2027. We also discussed river interlinking. If we utilise the water that is currently being wasted into the sea, Andhra Pradesh can become drought-free. We have sought central assistance to divert Polavaram water to Banakacharla. A central team will visit the state to study the feasibility," he said.
Regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission, Naidu stated, "The aim is to provide tap water to every household. However, the previous government failed to utilize even 1% of this scheme. The central government allocated Rs. 27,000 crore to the state, yet instead of laying pipelines, they proposed borewells. States like Uttar Pradesh have effectively utilized Rs. 50,000 crore, and Gujarat has ensured continuous water supply to every home. The central government has extended the project deadline to 2028. However, based on past allocations, Andhra Pradesh will only receive Rs. 27,000 crore. To supply tap water across all regions, an additional Rs. 54,000 crore will be required. We will continue discussions with the central government regarding this matter. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Rs. 27,000 crore is being prepared, and we will seek central funding," He said.
Impact of Poor Governance by Previous Administration
Chandrababu Naidu criticised the previous administration, stating, "The Jal Jeevan Mission is an example of how poor governance can negatively impact citizens. Over the past five years, 93 centrally sponsored schemes were rendered ineffective. After we took office, we allocated matching grants for some schemes and ensured that funds were utilized efficiently. Utilizing central schemes benefits the state significantly. However, due to the inefficiency of the previous government, numerous issues arose, which we are now working to resolve,” he said.
Maximising the Use of Water Resources
Naidu highlighted the importance of utilising water resources efficiently. "Andhra Pradesh is geographically positioned at the tail end of river flows. During my tenure as Chief Minister in the united Andhra Pradesh, I completed several projects to ensure Telangana received adequate water. Now, we are focusing on utilizing the water that is currently flowing into the sea. Andhra Pradesh has the opportunity to harness this wasted water. True politics is about working for the people, and the NDA in Andhra Pradesh is committed to working with integrity and dedication," he added.