Latest news with #Atchannaidu
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra begins direct procurement of Black Burley tobacco, assures every leaf will be bought
GUNTUR: The State government has launched the procurement of Black Burley tobacco through Markfed, assuring farmers that every leaf will be purchased. Minister for Agriculture, Marketing, and Cooperation K Atchannaidu inaugurated the procurement centre at the Paruchuru Agricultural Market Yard on Thursday, reinforcing the state's commitment to agricultural welfare. Leading a farmers' rally from Paruchuru junction to the market yard, the minister inspected facilities and announced that HDR and HDM grade tobacco would be procured at Rs 12,000 per quintal, while HDX grade would be bought at Rs 6,000 per quintal. This marks the first-ever direct procurement of Black Burley tobacco by the State. Atchannaidu said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is prioritizing farmer support with subsidies, timely payments, and assured crop procurement. He noted that Rs 1,650 crore in pending paddy dues had already been cleared. The state has intervened this year to stabilize prices of chilli, mango, coconut, and tobacco. Farmers were urged not to fall for private companies' misleading promises and to maintain quality standards to meet export requirements. The initiative is expected to benefit farmers with over Rs 500 crore through five procurement centres across the state. Agriculture Special Chief Secretary B. Rajasekhar said the government aims to procure 20 million kg of tobacco, with the Chief Minister reviewing progress every two days. Markfed MD Manjeer Zilani Saman stated that procurement would be conducted online, with a 20% moisture cap.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Hosting IYD in Vizag matter of pride: Atchannaidu
Visakhapatnam: Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation and Marketing Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Monday expressed immense pride that the upcoming International Yoga Day (IYD) celebrations on June 21 will be held here. On Monday, the Minister accompanied Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who inspected the arrangements for the IYD scheduled in Vizag. He stated that the State government was treating the organisation of this event with utmost prestige, and as part of this, the Chief Minister has given several crucial instructions to officials and Ministers. Earlier in the day, Minister Atchannaidu participated in a key meeting chaired by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu at a private hotel in Visakhapatnam, attended by Parliamentary constituency representatives, Ministers, officials and coalition party leaders. Minister Atchannaidu informed that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in this prestigious event, the State government was taking special care with the arrangements. He estimated that approximately 5 lakh people would attend the IYD programme at Visakhapatnam's RK Beach on June 21. The Minister added that personnel from 607 Sachivalayams would be attending the event, and officials would coordinate their participation. All precautions are being taken to ensure that registered participants do not face any difficulties. Minister Atchannaidu revealed that Chandrababu Naidu had suggested conducting a mock yoga session before the main Yoga Day programme for the participants. The Minister disclosed that stringent security arrangements were being made as several dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, will be participating. Officials are making alternative arrangements to prevent traffic disruptions and ensure smooth movement for the general public. Minister Atchannaidu stated that the Chief Minister emphasised that it was everyone's responsibility to make the International Yoga Day a grand success, urging that all necessary precautions be taken to avoid any hassles during the event attended by Prime Minister Modi.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Govt to release Rs 168 cr subsidy for mango farmers
Tirupati / Chittoor: In a major move to support mango farmers in the State, Agriculture and Allied Sectors Minister K Atchannaidu announced that the government will release Rs 168 crore as subsidy. He emphasised the State's commitment to supporting mango growers in all possible ways and expressed the need to boost mango consumption further. During his one-day visit to Chittoor and Tirupati districts on Saturday, the Minister interacted with mango farmers, factory owners and processing unit operators. He assured them that the government would take all necessary measures to procure mangoes throughout the season, ensuring that farmers are not left in distress. The Minister visited the Damalacheruvu market yard in Pakala mandal and a fruit storage unit at Gollamadugu in Gudipala mandal. Addressing the farmers, he stated that they could sell their produce either in local mandals or markets, and that special counters have already been set up by the relevant departments to assist them. Highlighting the importance of the region, he said that the Damalacheruvu mango yard is the largest in the erstwhile Chittoor district. He also noted that this outreach was organised to understand the challenges of mango farmers and to offer any assistance they might need. He lauded the Chief Minister for his proactive stance in reviewing crop issues meticulously and frequently, an approach he described as unprecedented. Minister Atchannaidu revealed that Totapuri mangoes are cultivated across 5.5 lakh hectares, and they are primarily used for pulp. He appreciated the consistent efforts of MLAs from Puthalapattu, Chittoor and Chandragiri, who raised the issues of mango farmers with the Chief Minister. Responding swiftly, the Chief Minister announced an additional Rs 4 per kg for mangoes, ensuring the procurement price would not fall below Rs 12 per kg. This year, the Horticulture Department has sanctioned Rs 218 crore under the Comprehensive Horticulture Development Programme, with Rs 21.60 crore allocated to Chittoor district alone. Referring to the market influx from Karnataka, where mangoes are priced at Rs 3 per kg, the Minister said that such inflow should be controlled to protect local farmers. Tirupati District Collector Dr S Venkateswar cautioned that early harvesting before fruits ripen is causing losses and mentioned that mangoes from Krishnagiri were flooding the local market, leading to oversupply. He advised farmers to consider alternate crops as well. Chittoor MP Daggumalla Prasada Rao highlighted export issues due to the Russia-Ukraine war and increased export duties, which led to excess pulp remaining in factories last year and causing hardships for farmers. MLAs K Murali Mohan (Puthalapattu), Pulivarthi Nani (Chandragiri) and G Jagan Mohan (Chittoor) also shared their perspectives during the visit. Horticulture Secretary Rajasekhar Babu, Commissioner Srinivasulu Reddy, Joint Collectors G Vidyadhari and Shubham Bansal, and several district officials were present.
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra Agriculture Minister promises procurement of total tobacco stock from farmers
GUNTUR: Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Saturday assured that the government would support Black Burley tobacco farmers until every leaf is procured. He made the statement during a meeting with farmers and company representatives at the Parchur MLA's camp office. The Minister announced that procurement will follow a two-grade system, Rs 12,000 per quintal for the common variety and Rs 6,000 for the low grade. 'Despite global market fluctuations, companies must follow these fixed rates,' he said. The government will bear processing costs and may initiate direct procurement through Markfed if necessary. Atchannaidu criticised companies for neglecting farmers' concerns and warned against delays. He said six sub-committees will oversee procurement, and staff support will be provided to companies. Of the targeted 25 million kg, farmers produced 75 million kg, causing a crisis amid declining international demand. Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar said, 'The government promoted this crop with company backing and must now ensure full procurement.' He cautioned against farmer suicides and confirmed that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is monitoring the situation. Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar confirmed that all stock would be procured at fair prices. District Collector J. Venkata Murali pledged constant monitoring.
United News of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Andhra: Officials directed to promote, encourage horticulture crops
Vijayawada, May 21 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchennaidu on Wednesday instructed the officials concerned to promote the cultivation of quality paddy as well as horticultural crops in the state. The Agriculture Minister held a video conference with the officials from the Secretariat at Amaravati near here. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the farmers should be made aware so that their attention is diverted not only towards the cultivation of some traditional crops but also towards the cultivation of many horticultural and commercial crops. 'New technology and artificial intelligence should be used on a large scale in the agro-allied sectors to reduce the cost of cultivation, achieve higher quality yields and expand marketing facilities,' the Agriculture Minister asserted. Minister Atchannaidu directed all the officials to work together with the aim of achieving a 15 percent growth rate in the agriculture and allied sectors in line with the vision of the State Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. 'Special attention should be paid to the issues of traceability, certification, volume and marketing. Strong arrangements should be made to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulties in Kharif crop cultivation. All types of seeds and fertilizers required for Kharif cultivation should be made available to farmers on time,' the Minister ordered the officials. The authorities should be very vigilant to prevent the problem of fake seeds and fertilizers in the open market, he told them, adding that by reducing the use of fertilizers, natural farming and the cultivation of traditional crops have been gradually reduced and the cultivation of horticultural crops has been encouraged on a large scale. The officials should take steps to provide CCRC cards to all tenant farmers and ensure that every tenant farmer gets a bank loan, he directed the officials. Agriculture Department Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar also spoke. RYSS Executive Vice Chairman and Advisor to the Agriculture & Cooperation Department T Vijaya Kumar, Chairman of the State Seed Development Corporation M Subba Reddy, Director of the Agriculture Department S Dilli Rao, Director of the Horticulture & Sericulture Department K Srinivasulu, Director of the Marketing Department M Vijayasunitha, Commissioner of the Cooperation Department Ahmed Babu and Director of the Animal Husbandry Department Damodar Naidu were among those who attended the meeting. UNI DP SSP
