Hyderabad: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao criticised the Congress government’s crop procurement policy and accused it of failing to fulfil commitments made to farmers.
Speaking at a BRS general body meeting in Boath constituency on Saturday, KTR alleged that the government had decided to limit crop procurement according to quotas fixed by the Centre.
He claimed the move contradicted earlier assurances made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
According to KTR, the Chief Minister had promised to procure every grain produced by farmers.
Crop procurement policy sparks criticism from BRS
Meanwhile, KTR alleged that the government had abandoned farmers by restricting procurement of paddy, sorghum, pulses and soybean.
He questioned how farmers would sell excess produce if procurement remained limited to Central allocations.
Further, he argued that the policy could force farmers to depend on private traders.
He also alleged that many farmers might have to sell their produce at lower prices.
Additionally, KTR urged farmers to question Congress leaders about promises related to bonus payments, procurement centres and support prices.
He alleged that the government had failed to implement its promise of a ₹500 bonus for farmers.
The BRS leader also accused the Congress administration of reversing several welfare measures introduced during the previous government.
KTR warned that the BRS would intensify its agitation until the government withdrew the decision.
Earlier in the day, he visited Ponn village in Sirikonda mandal of Adilabad district.
There, he met the family of farmer Pandurang, who allegedly died by suicide after failing to secure procurement for his sorghum crop.
KTR handed over ₹3 lakh in financial assistance on behalf of the BRS.
He also demanded ₹25 lakh as ex gratia for the bereaved family.
Further, he sought government jobs for Pandurang’s children.