YS Sharmila Slams Government Over Plight of Chilli Farmers

APCC President YS Sharmila has expressed deep concern over the plight of chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh. She stated that the state's agricultural sector is suffering due to severe losses in chilli cultivation, with farmers struggling to recover even their investment.

"Farmers are being forced to sell their chilli produce at a loss of ₹15,000 per quintal, yet the ruling coalition government, which should support them, is making their situation worse," she alleged.

Sharmila criticized the government for boasting about providing a minimum support price of ₹11,000 per quintal while, in reality, farmers are facing heavy losses. "Farmers are investing ₹1.5 lakh per acre, yet they are unable to recover even this amount. Tenant farmers are suffering an additional loss of ₹50,000 per acre," she said.

She demanded that if the central government truly cares about farmers, it should set a minimum price of ₹26,000 per quintal for chilli. "If the Centre does not act, the state government must implement a price stabilization fund immediately and announce a bonus for chilli farmers," she urged.

Sharmila also pointed out the challenges faced by tomato farmers. "While chilli farmers are struggling, tomato farmers are also in distress due to crashing prices. Despite tomatoes selling for ₹15 per kg in the market, farmers are receiving only ₹3-4 per kg. The government must intervene and take measures to prevent the prices from falling further," she demanded.