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The Chief Minister clarified that there is no shortage of urea supply in the state but stressed that officials must plan in advance to ensure its timely availability
Naidu directed district collectors to take proactive steps to safeguard the interests of farmers.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced that farmers who minimise the usage of urea in agriculture will receive an incentive of Rs 800 per bag of urea saved.
He directed officials to ensure that the subsidy under the PM-PRANAM Scheme is distributed directly to farmers, thereby encouraging the reduced use of urea in cultivation.
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The Chief Minister clarified that there is no shortage of urea supply in the state but stressed that officials must plan in advance to ensure its timely availability.
Addressing the Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister cited China’s recent rejection of India’s chilli consignment, attributing it to the use of chemical fertilisers. He warned that excessive use of chemicals, pesticides, and urea can pose serious health risks, including cancer.
He referred to Punjab, where two trains carry cancer patients daily between Punjab and Delhi, as an example of the long-term consequences of fertiliser overuse. He noted that Andhra Pradesh currently ranks fifth in cancer cases and stressed the urgent need to educate farmers about the risks.
Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar raised the issue of rising cancer cases in Bhalabadrapuram of East Godavari district, reportedly linked to excessive fertiliser usage.
Responding to the concern, the Chief Minister directed officials to immediately study the causes of cancer cases in the area.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for farmers to cultivate crops based on market demand and supply. He noted that the Rayalaseema region has emerged as the top horticulture region, and that per capita income in Anantapur is now higher than that of the Konaseema region.
Highlighting the state government’s support to farmers, he said the government has purchased 20 million kg of HD Burley tobacco.
“The government procured mangoes at ₹4 per kg, paying ₹200 crore to farmers. Currently, the government is buying onions at ₹1,200 per quintal to protect farmers from losses,” he said.
Naidu directed district collectors to take proactive steps to safeguard the interests of farmers.
The Chief Minister also assured support for aquaculture farmers. He announced that the government would supply power at ₹1.50 per unit for aquaculture activities spread across 5 lakh acres. He instructed officials to ensure registration of aqua farmers within one month to enable them to avail the power subsidy.
He further added that aqua products must have traceability certification, and warned against pollution of aqua tanks, especially due to the dumping of poultry waste.
To boost the dairy sector, which he said has recorded the highest growth rate, Naidu announced that animal hostels will be constructed in 157 constituencies across the state.
September 15, 2025, 18:38 IST
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