Govt to convince Centre on MSP hike for Paddy: CM

Hyderabad, Nov 27 (UNI) Stating that Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Paddy will be provided at Rs 775 this year, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekahra Reddy today assured that his government would convince the Centre to hike the MSP for paddy to Rs 950 per quintal next year.

According to an official release here, Dr Reddy said his government had increased the MSP for Paddy to Rs 775 by adding Rs 125 during this year. It would be increased to Rs 950 from Rs 925 next year.

Pointing out that the difference between MSP for Wheat and Paddy was reduced with the announcement of bonus for Paddy, he said the Centre was providing Rs 850 MSP for Wheat during this year. It would be increased to Rs 1,000 next year onwards.

'The Centre had announced a new 'agriculture policy' three days ago. It also promised to change the mandate of the Cost Price Commission (CPC) to decide the MSP of the agriculture products', he said.

Alleging that the Opposition Telugu Desam party (TDP) had not given importance to agricultural sector during its regime and was now organising meetings to attract the farmers, the Chief Minister said the 'Rythu Garjana', organised by the TDP on November 24 in Vijayawada, was a 'flop show' as the TDP workers participated more than the farmers'.

Referring to the recent CAG report which found fault with the government for paying advances to irrigation project contractors, Dr Reddy said the government would clarify the doubts raised by the CAG.

The State Government would increase the pensions of physically challenged persons under the budget limits, Dr Reddy added.

UNI