Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh): Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Thursday reiterated that the State government is committed to supporting maize farmers and ensuring they do not face difficulties during the marketing season, reports The New Indian Express.
The minister reviewed the situation through a video conference with senior Agriculture Department officials and representatives of private companies. He instructed poultry firms, seed companies, pharmaceutical units, and traders to speed up their purchases without lowering prices or reducing the quantities they procure. He cautioned that any attempt to exploit farmers would not be tolerated.
Atchannaidu said preparations are underway for a major meeting with maize-consuming industries to streamline procurement. The State has sent proposals to the Central government through AP MARKFED seeking permission to procure maize under the Kharif-2025 Minimum Support Price (MSP). A request has also been made to the State Finance Department for the release of required funds.
He said maize was cultivated on 1,42,282 hectares this season, producing an estimated 8,18,753 metric tonnes. To stabilise prices, the government plans to procure 25% of the total crop—2,04,688 metric tonnes—and has requested ₹7,630.44 crore from the Price Stabilisation Fund.
A pilot market-linkage project has been launched in Nandyal district in collaboration with AP MARKFED, FarMart, and IFC to offer logistics, storage, digital traceability, and financial support. The minister said all necessary measures are being taken on priority to ensure that farmers do not suffer losses.
