Adopt new techniques to enhance output: AP Min to farmers

Rajahmundry (AP), Jun 9: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Stamps and Registration Thota Narasimham said the farmers should implement new techniques to enhance farm output in view of changing trends in the agriculture sector.

The State Government will provide all possible support to the farmers badly affected by rains, cyclones and other causes, he told reporters after inaugurating rythu saddasu'' (farmer congregation) in Kirmlampudi Mandal near here.

Rythu sadassu is a five-day state-wide government initiative aimed at educating farmers about modern farming methods. It was launched at various venues on Wednesday.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar has briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the grim situation in the farm sector in the district, and requested to pay additional Rs 200 to the present Minimum Support Price for produce, he said. A decision in this regard will be taken soon, he added.

The farmers should utilise the new techniques and methods to produce more product with less investment, the Minister said, adding due to various factors like cyclone and rains they are incurring heavy losses.

With the use of new techniques, their losses would be curtailed to a large extent, Narasimham said, adding the Government is taking all measures to protect the interest of the farm sector.

He said repairs to the irrigation sources like reservoirs will be carried out and water will be supplied from them to farmlands in the district.

"We are distributing Rs 26 crore input subsidy (compensation) to the farmer who lost their crops during last December in the district due to rains and cyclone," the Minister added.

PTI