VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed the coalition government’s steadfast commitment to farmers, declaring that no ‘annadata’ in Andhra Pradesh will be left disheartened.
Speaking at the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of legendary farmer leader Acharya NG Ranga, Naidu paid rich tributes, calling Ranga a lifelong inspiration for rural welfare and democratic values. Naidu noted the symbolic significance of the day, which also marked 150 years of the national anthem ‘Vande Mataram.’
He praised Ranga’s selfless life, highlighting how he and his wife chose not to have children to fully dedicate themselves to the freedom struggle and farmers’ cause. Despite being an Oxford graduate, Ranga devoted his life to India’s independence.
Recalling his personal connection, the Chief Minister said he named the agricultural universities in both united and post-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh after Ranga.
He credited Ranga’s writings for inspiring his own interest in rural development. Naidu also recounted Ranga’s leadership in the Andhra peasant movement and his historic 1964 Parliament speech that protected farmers’ land rights, earning him a Guinness World Record for longest parliamentary service.
Turning to current issues, Naidu criticised the YSRCP regime for neglecting farmers and withholding crop insurance dues.
He said the NDA government cleared all pending payments immediately upon taking office, despite financial constraints. He emphasised the role of technology and water management in reducing cyclone damage, noting that reservoirs are now 95% full. He announced full drip irrigation subsidies—100% for SC/ST farmers and up to 90% for others—and urged tenant farmers not to lose hope.
Naidu also called for a shift to organic farming, warning that chemical residues are affecting crop exports. “Organic manure is the future,” he said.
The Chief Minister unveiled the book Aadhunika Rajyangam Sansthalu (Modern Constitutional Institutions) at the event. Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu, MP Lavu Krishna Devarayalu, university vice-chancellors, senior officials, and farmers were present.
Naidu concluded with a pledge: “Whenever TDP was in power, we worked for farmers. Today, the coalition government is giving top priority to agriculture. We will ensure every crop gets a fair price, reduce input costs, and increase yields—so that every annadata prospers.”