CM assured swift action to address chilli farmers’ issues: MP

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) floor leader and Narasaraopet MP, Lavu Srikrishna devarayalu, has stated that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has assured prompt action to address the challenges faced by chilli farmers, particularly in Guntur district. Speaking to the media, MP Devarayalu said the Chief Minister has promised to take immediate corrective measures to resolve the ongoing issues, which have been severely impacting the livelihoods of farmers.
Devarayalu, who had written to the CM on January 12 regarding the difficulties faced by chilli farmers, highlighted that Chandrababu responded positively when the matter was raised during the parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday. The MP said the Chief Minister has committed to tackling the core issues affecting farmers and ensuring their welfare.
One of the main concerns raised by the MP was the steep decline in the market price of chilli, with farmers facing a 50 per cent drop in prices per quintal compared to last year. He explained that the situation is expected to worsen with the main crop season approaching by the end of February, potentially resulting in losses of up to Rs 60,000 per acre for farmers. This significant loss is exacerbated by several factors, including a reduction in global chilli exports, the spread of the black thrips disease, and increasing costs of fertilisers and pesticides, which have further strained farmers’ finances.
In response, the Chief Minister has instructed the Agriculture, Marketing and Commerce departments to take immediate action. Devarayalu confirmed that measures will be implemented to alleviate the debt burden on farmers, provide financial assistance, and form special teams of agricultural scientists to combat the black thrips disease. Additionally, new policies will be devised to stabilise market prices and ensure long-term support for chilli farmers.
“The Chief Minister has made it clear that his government is committed not only to addressing the current problems faced by chilli farmers, but also to securing their future,” said Devarayalu, expressing confidence in the government’s swift intervention.