The Hindu Business Line : AP `confident of bumper rabi crop'

Despite concerns and controversy over adequate supply of power to farmers, the Andhra Pradesh Government is confident of a bumper crop during the rabi season. Increased acreage and timely intervention would see the target of 80 million tonnes of production achieved, the State Minister for Agriculture, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy, said here today.

From 85 lakh hectares last year, the area under rabi crop has gone up to 1.02 crore hectares. At the end of December, the area covered is already 65 lakh hectares compared with only 50 lakh hectares last year, he told presspersons, while presenting a performance report of agriculture for the year.

Free Power

Mr Raghuveera Reddy countered Opposition party (Telugu Desam) claims that the Government was failing in providing power even for 7 hours a day. He asserted that the Government would provide free power to the farmers, even if it meant buying from other States.

Describing technical snags as reason for minor hiccups in some districts, Mr Reddy said: "We will impose cuts on domestic and even industries to ensure supply to farmers during the season. Every Sunday, special committees have been asked to ensure this without fail in districts."

With drought in several districts and untimely rains, the State did not have a good kharif season.

Subsequently, the overall estimate of 92 lakh tonnes was unlikely. Even the acreage dropped from 1.95 crore hectares to 1.82 crore hectares (6 per cent). The big worry was the expected drop in pulses.

Crop Loans

Stating that agriculture was not in crisis in Andhra Pradesh, but the farmer, Mr Raghuveera Reddy said the Government was addressing the issue seriously.

Accordingly, it has decided to launch a massive health insurance scheme on January 15 (Sankranti) day to provide farmers cover up to Rs 2 lakh.

During the present rabi season, a total of Rs 5,800 crore would be extended as crop loans to the farmers. Already Rs 2,100 crore has been disbursed. On the total crop loans, the Government plans to provide a record Rs 20,500 crore during 2007.

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