The MP demanded immediate cotton procurement to prevent further distress. He also appealed to the Central Government to support Andhra Pradesh farmers during this difficult time. He stressed that thousands of families depend on cotton cultivation and need urgent relief measures.

Later, the Union Ministry replied to the MP’s questions related to MSMEs in Palnadu district. The ministry said Udyam registrations increased significantly, reaching 62,036 units by November 2025. Under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, officials identified 7,350 beneficiaries, including a high share of women, SC and ST communities.

The ministry confirmed that banks distributed 757 loans out of 810 sanctioned. However, the MP pointed out several pending loan applications at the bank level. He asked the Centre to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Palnadu by speeding up approvals, improving loan distribution, and supporting cluster development.

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Meanwhile, the Central Government will release the 21st installment of the PM Kisan Yojana on November 19. Each eligible farmer will receive ₹2,000 directly into their bank accounts. As the release date approaches, agriculture officers are verifying beneficiary data to ensure error-free disbursement.

Additionally, the state government plans to deposit ₹5,000 under Annadata Sukhibhava for every eligible farmer. Therefore, each beneficiary will get a total of ₹7,000. Sources indicate that the release may take place either on the same day as PM-Kisan funds or the following day, depending on administrative clearances.

Approximately 47 lakh farmers will benefit from the combined financial support. The government expects that this financial relief will help farmers purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other essential crop inputs. Authorities also urged farmers to link active bank accounts with Aadhaar and ensure no documentation issues remain.

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The session, jointly organised by PJTSAU and the State Civil Supplies Department, was attended by Commissioner M Stephen Ravindra, Agriculture Director Dr B Gopi, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aldas Janaiah. International rice export analyst and World Food Foundation awardee Dr Samarendu Mahanti also participated with leading exporters.

Dr Mahanti noted that India contributes 40% to global rice exports, while the Philippines leads imports with 10%. Telangana’s rice production has tripled since 2014, reaching 2 crore metric tons this year. Of this, 50 lakh metric tons will serve local needs, leaving a large export potential to African and Asian nations.

Prof. Janaiah urged reforms in the Civil Supplies Corporation, while Commissioner Ravindra proposed a new business model. He also announced plans for a dedicated export promotion unit. Dr Gopi said the government will motivate farmers to diversify into pulses and oilseeds and promote export-worthy rice varieties.

The post Telangana Targets Global Rice Markets to Manage Surplus Stocks appeared first on India Podcast.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Ponguleti said the move reflects the government’s commitment to farmer welfare and fair compensation. He added that the announcement would come as a festival gift to cultivators, ensuring better income and stability for the agrarian community.

The Minister emphasized that the Congress government under CM Revanth Reddy remains focused on policies that empower farmers and strengthen the agriculture sector through timely procurement and price support.

The post Government Announces MSP Plus Bonus for Fine Rice: Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy appeared first on India Podcast.

According to official data, about Rs 205.46 crore were sanctioned in FY 2024-25 under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Nearly 15 lakh hectares are now under organic farming, with 52,289 clusters formed and 25.30 lakh farmers benefitted.

The programme expanded significantly. In 2023–24, 1.26 lakh hectares were adopted, and 1.98 lakh hectares are under three-year conversion in 2024–25. Large Area Certification included 50,279 hectares in Dantewada, 4,000 hectares in West Bengal, and 14,491 hectares in Car Nicobar and Nancowry Islands. Entire cultivable land in Lakshadweep, covering 2,700 hectares, achieved certification.

Sikkim, supported with Rs 96.39 lakh, remains the only 100 per cent organic state globally. Over 6.23 lakh farmers and 8,676 buyers have registered on the ‘Jaivik Kheti’ portal. Farmers adopting organic practices are assisted with Rs 31,500 per hectare over three years. PKVY’s cluster-based approach promotes eco-friendly methods, reduces costs, and strengthens India’s long-term vision of resilient, sustainable agriculture.

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In the 2024-25 financial year, 21 farmers have committed suicide, as reported by the BBC. Farmers like Adinarayana from Nadendla village, Gopal Rao from Tubadu, and Kondaiah  from Kocherla village have been struggling with massive losses in crops like cotton, tobacco, and chili. Due to a lack of support from banks and rising debts from money lenders, their situation worsened, ultimately leading to these tragic deaths.

The situation in Palnadu is further exacerbated by low crop prices, inadequate compensation, and severe water scarcity. Farmers’ struggles are also intensified by the rising costs of land rents and delayed relief payments. Local authorities and farmer organizations are demanding immediate government action, including the establishment of help desks, better loan schemes, and quicker compensation for the affected families. The government must act promptly to address these critical issues and ensure farmers’ survival.

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Leaders from the ruling YSR Congress Party have also faced public anger, with protests erupting in several regions. The demand for proper urea supply reached the Krishna district Zilla Parishad (ZP) general body meeting this week. Several ZPTC members questioned officials about the ongoing scarcity.

However, when the NTR district agriculture officer claimed there was no shortage of urea, tensions escalated. Outraged ZPTCs accused officials of lying and surrounded the meeting stage. They demanded the officer withdraw her remarks. The situation worsened when police forces entered the meeting hall to control the protest.

ZPTC members objected strongly to the heavy police presence, questioning the district collector on why so many personnel had been deployed. The meeting ended in chaos, reflecting the growing unrest among farmers and local representatives. Critics say the government must act quickly to restore trust by ensuring timely fertilizer distribution.

The post Urea Shortage Sparks Tension at Krishna ZP Meeting appeared first on India Podcast.