YS Sharmila Criticizes NDA Government Over Low Pepper Support Price, Demands Relief for Farmers

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila has strongly criticized the NDA government for its inadequate support price of Rs. 11,000 for pepper, calling it insufficient to uplift farmers. In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Sharmila accused the government of "putting pepper in the eyes of farmers" instead of standing by them during their struggles.

Sharmila highlighted the plight of farmers, stating that many are unable to recover even their investment costs, while tenant farmers face additional losses of up to Rs. 50,000. She urged the central government to increase the support price for pepper to Rs. 26,000 or implement a price stabilization fund to protect farmers from market fluctuations. Additionally, she demanded that the state government announce a bonus over and above the central support price to provide further relief.

The APCC chief also expressed concern over tomato farmers, who are equally distressed due to falling prices. She called for immediate government intervention to support farmers and stabilize agricultural markets.