AP heading for another green revolution, set for record production

Hyderabad|India|August'2010: Copious rains, good monsoon, agricultural operations in full swing, Andhra Pradesh is in for another green revolution and record agricultural production which is likely to touch 210 lakh MT during 2010-11", said Chief Minister Dr. K. Rosaiah. He said the State would contribute much to the food security mission launched in the country. The Chief Minister said that thanks to very good rains all over the State, crops are sown in 65.11 lakh hectares, higher than the normal 60.06 lakh hectares (108%) as per the latest information. He said with adequate rains this Kharif (2010), the Government is expecting the coverage to be more than the targeted area of 82.22 lakh hectares.

The Chief Minister held a teleconference with Agriculture Minister,N. Raghuveera Reddy and Advisor to Govt. and Deputy Chairman, Agricultural Technology Mission, Mr. D.A. Somayajulu and other officials regarding this year's Agricultural Production target, godown space and other farm-related issues. The Chief Minister hailed the Minister and Mr Somayajulu for showcasing the progress made by Andhra Pradesh in agricultural sector in the last six years and winning the appreciation of the President of India recently. The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary, Mr. S.V. Prasad who participated in the teleconference to constantly monitor the targets set by the State to achieve the record production of 208 lakh M.T during this year, in view of the favourable monsoon in the State.

The Chief Minister said all the District Collectors have been directed to closely monitor supply of inputs, i.e. seeds and fertilizers, DAP and Urea in particular and credit to the farmers. So far, a quantity of 11.90 lakh quintals seed has been distributed with a subsidy value of more than Rs.153 crores. Dr Rosaiah was informed that seed distribution for Kharif 2010 has been completed. As far as fertiliser supplies are concerned, the position of DAP and complex fertilizers is comfortable in all the districts. Regarding urea, there is heavy demand in several districts.

Drawing the attention of the Minister and officials about the news item in a section of the press about the farmers waiting in long queues for Urea in Veldurthi Mandal of Medak district, the Chief Minister directed them to ensure sufficient supply of urea there. He suggested deputing special officers in all problematic areas to ensure smooth supply of fertilizers. He has advised the Collectors to plan in advance and distribute as per requirement and monitor supplies to avoid any hardship to farmers.

Dr. Rosaiah wanted that proper supply of fertilisers, schedule of Rakes arrival, distribution should be informed to the farmer well in advance to avoid large gatherings at the distribution points. Strict vigil on illegal movement of fertilizers across the border especially in districts adjoining other States should be maintained. During Kharif season of 2010 so far, Rs.9,254 crores (53%) is disbursed as crop loans against the target of Rs.17,473 crores. The Chief Minister directed the District Collectors to monitor and ensure the disbursement of agricultural credit and to conduct DCC meetings wherever necessary for achieving the targets. The District Collectors were asked ensure that tenant farmers and non-loanee farmers are given loans.

Dr. Rosaiah expressed happiness that in almost all the districts in the State received excess or more than normal rainfall so far in this season. Rainfall till last week is 472.5 mm as against the normal 398.7 mm (total season normal is 624 mm). The Government of India depends a lot on Andhra Pradesh as far as food security is concerned. Ever since the new government took over under the leadership of former Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on 14th May, 2004, the State Government has taken up several historic measures to mitigate the problems of the farmers in the State, Dr. Rosaiah said.

"The State Government is also giving priority to agricultural education in a big way. The Government’s main focus was on the development of agriculture and allied activities, as we firmly believe that a high growth rate in agriculture and allied activities is a pre-requisite for achieving a sustained GDP growth rate of 9%", the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s package was implemented with an outlay of Rs. 9,650 crore in 3 years ie.2006-7 to 2008-09. The National Food Security Mission is being implemented in the State during the period from 2007-08 to 2011-12. Similarly, under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the program is being implemented in the State with Rs.2,700 crore outlay during the period from2007-08 to 2011-12. As a result of proactive measures taken up by the State Government, food grain production reached all time high of 204 lakh Mts during 2008-09. It is targeted to produce 208 lakh MTs during 2010-11. We also achieved a GSDP growth rate of 9.17% per annum for the five years period from 2004-09, as against National average of 8.47%, the Chief Minister said.