The YSRCP has hit out at the coalition government, alleging a breach of promise regarding free crop insurance. The party is also demanding ₹500 crore for tobacco procurement.
Key Takeaways
- YSRCP demands the reinstatement of the free crop insurance scheme.
- The party accuses the government of shifting premium costs to farmers.
- A demand for ₹500 crore allocation to MARKFED for tobacco procurement has been made.
- Farmers in Anantapur are facing high premiums for various crops.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Wednesday intensified its political offensive against the coalition government, demanding the immediate restoration of the free crop insurance scheme. The party alleged that the current administration has reneged on its pre-election promises by shifting the entire burden of insurance premiums onto the farmers.
Addressing a press conference, M.V.S. Nagi Reddy, YSRCP State General Secretary (Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare), highlighted that the previous YSRCP government had covered the full premium for five consecutive years. He claimed that despite promises from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to strengthen the scheme, the government has instead forced farmers to bear the costs themselves.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift in insurance responsibility could lead to a significant decline in insurance coverage among small-scale farmers. Without government-backed premiums, the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate volatility increases exponentially.
The withdrawal of subsidized insurance creates a massive financial gap that most marginal farmers simply cannot bridge.
The party specifically pointed out the financial strain in Anantapur district, where farmers are reportedly paying up to ₹3,000 per acre for banana and ₹1,440 for chilli. Furthermore, the YSRCP raised alarms over the tobacco sector, noting that inadequate market intervention has led to an estimated loss of ₹3,300 crore for farmers this year.
Historical Background
Crop insurance has been a cornerstone of agricultural policy in Andhra Pradesh. For years, the state has oscillated between state-funded and farmer-funded models, with the YSRCP-led administration previously opting for a fully state-funded model to ensure maximum coverage.
| Crop Type | Estimated Premium (per acre) |
|---|---|
| Chilli | ₹1,440 |
| Banana | ₹3,000 |
| Sweet Lime | ₹2,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the YSRCP's primary demand regarding insurance?
The party demands that the government restore the previous system where the state bore the entire cost of crop insurance premiums.
2. How much funding is being requested for the tobacco sector?
The YSRCP has demanded an allocation of ₹500 crore to MARKFED to stabilize tobacco prices and assist in procurement.
