TDP to intensify stir on MSP hike for paddy

Hyderabad, Oct 17 (UNI) The Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will intensify its agitation demanding a hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy to at least Rs 1,000 per quintal.

Talking to the press here today, Senior TDP Spokesman T Sitaram claimed the MSP for paddy was 'irrational and unscientific' when compared to wheat.

The TDP which was now organising protests at the district level would take them to the state and national level coinciding with the Winter Session of Parliament.

While the cost of inputs for wheat cultivation increased by seven to 10 per cent, it was 15 to 22 per cent for paddy, he claimed while alleging Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had 'succumbed to the wheat lobby.' He wondered why Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy was not not coming forward to lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to persuade the Centre to hike the MSP for paddy, too.

UNI