Govt. committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests, says Kolusu

Minister for Information & Public Relations, and Housing  Kolusu Parthasarathy on Sunday said the government was committed to safeguarding the farmers’ interests and ensuring that every grain of paddy produced by them was procured with payments released in 24 hours, a system unmatched anywhere in the country.

Mr. Parthasarathy was speaking to the media after inaugurating a free medical and blood donation camp organised by the government doctors at Totlavalluru as part of the birthday celebrations of Veeranki Venkata Gurumurthy, State Gouda Welfare Development Corporation Chairman.

Referring to the incident on Saturday when he, while returning from his native village Karakampadu, stopped three lorries carrying paddy from Pedda Muttevi village and insisted that the vehicles would not be allowed to move unless farmers were paid ₹1,650 per quintal, Mr. Parthasarathy said his firm action was solely to ensure farmers received fair prices strictly as per government norms.

The government had earmarked nearly ₹20,000 crore to ensure prompt payments, often within four to five hours, he warned that action would be taken against millers or brokers exploiting the farmers.