VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging the Centre to intervene in support of maize farmers in Andhra Pradesh during the ongoing 2025-26 rabi season.
In his letter, Naidu highlighted the distress among cultivators as maize prices in the open market have fallen sharply to Rs 1,600– Rs 1,700 per quintal, well below the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,400. He noted that the state is expecting a maize output of 42.06 lakh metric tonnes, with another 14.26 lakh metric tonnes still in the harvesting stage. He warned, farmers would suffer losses.
The CM requested the Centre to extend the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PM-AASHA) to maize growers in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring that the difference between the MSP and market price is directly paid to farmers. He stressed that the state should be treated as a special case, with the Centre bearing 100 per cent of the financial burden under the scheme.
Naidu also sought an extension of the scheme until June 2026, and immediate approval for its implementation through NAFED and AP Markfed. He cautioned that without central support, the financial burden of procurement would fall entirely on the government.
“Farmers are anxious as prices continue to fall. Unless the Centre steps in, the losses will be severe. Direct payment of price difference under PM-AASHA is the only way to protect maize growers at this critical juncture,” Naidu wrote.
The appeal comes amid rising concerns in Andhra Pradesh’s maize belt, where falling prices have triggered protests and demands for government action. The CM has sought to ensure both immediate relief for farmers and stability in agricultural economy.