Farmers in Andhra Pradesh demand MSP for crops

The Rythu Coolie Sangham in Andhra Pradesh is calling on the Indian government to set a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural products. This request comes as prices for items like red chili and tomatoes have dropped sharply in recent months. Dantuluri Varma, the State secretary of the association, emphasized that MSP is crucial for protecting farmers' livelihoods. Varma stated that announcing an official MSP would help prevent middlemen from exploiting farmers. Currently, these middlemen offer low prices while selling the same products at much higher rates in the market. Despite discussions with Union Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan, Varma believes that the talks did not yield any concrete solutions. The association plans to meet soon to discuss strategies for achieving MSP for farmers. Varma highlighted the broader societal responsibility towards farmers, as they are vital for food production in the country. He noted the tragic statistic that 11,290 farmers and agricultural workers took their lives in the past year due to financial difficulties. He further urged the State government to allocate more funds for ongoing projects that could provide job opportunities for laborers. These efforts would support farmers in growing multiple crops each year and improve local livelihoods.