The sharp fall in chilli prices in Guntur Mirchi Yard and a quick reaction from YSR Congress party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to capitalise on the plight of chilli farmers created tremors in the Chandrababu Naidu government.
Apparently feeling the heat from chilli farmers, Naidu took up the matter with the Centre on Thursday night and sought assistance from the centre.
He said he had discussed the sharp drop in chilli prices with the Centre, pointing to reduced global demand as the main factor.
He explained that while farmers previously secured better rates due to high international demand, the current market downturn has led to a significant price fall.
He explained that farmers had earlier received better prices due to high demand, but the market slowdown has now led to a decline.
He stated that while the state aims to procure 12 lakh metric tonnes of chilli this year, only four lakh metric tonnes have been purchased so far. He reassured farmers that all concerns had been conveyed to the Centre.
On Friday, TDP ministers at the Centre – K Rammohan Naidu and Pemmasani Chandrasekhar held a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to provide assistance to chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
Rammohan Naidu requested the Central government to set a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 11,600 per quintal for chilli.
"We discussed chilli exports and the need to create an international market for Andhra Pradesh’s chilli,” he said.
Chouhan responded positively to the TDP leaders’ concerns and assured them that he would consult exporters before making a decision.
“He also assured us that the difference between market prices and production costs would be reviewed,” he said.
“We emphasized the struggles faced by chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Rayalaseema, Guntur, and Palnadu districts. The government will take all necessary steps to benefit these farmers,” he said.
