Farmers’ bodies plan protests from March 30 in A.P., demand MSP for crops

Farmers’ organisations have announced state-wide protests from March 30, demanding that governments procure farm yields at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and address the growing distress in the agricultural sector, amid global tensions.

The announcement was made at a roundtable organised by the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham and the A.P. Tenant Farmers’ Association here on Tuesday.

Presiding over the meeting, Rythu Sangham State president V. Krishnayya expressed concern over the ongoing conflict involving the U.S.A., Israel, and Iran, stating that the war has caused significant loss of lives and property. He said that disputes should be resolved through dialogues and called for immediate steps to restore global peace.

Tenant Farmers’ Association leader B. Balaram pointed out that aquaculture farmers are also facing severe hardships, including the lack of assured electricity supply at subsidised rates and a steep fall in shrimp prices.

He raised concerns over the cooking gas shortage, stating that many small hotels and tea stalls have been shut down, affecting livelihoods. Allegations of black marketing of commercial LPG cylinders at exorbitant prices were also highlighted.

The leaders said the war and other factors have adversely impacted crop prices in India, leaving farmers in distress.

A.P. Agricultural Workers’ Association leader Dadala Subba Rao noted that rising input costs coupled with falling market prices have pushed the farmers into losses.

They highlighted that crops such as maize, Bengal gram, cotton, banana, and tomato are being cultivated extensively, but farmers are not receiving MSP.

Maize, with an MSP of ₹2,400 per quintal, is being sold for ₹1,500 to ₹1,700 due to trader cartels and the lack of procurement centres. Bengal gram farmers are forced to sell their produce at ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 against the MSP of ₹8,500, while tomato prices have crashed to ₹2 to ₹3 per kg.

Tenant farmers’ leader B. Balaram said aqua farmers and small businesses are also suffering due to falling prices and alleged LPG shortages. State Secretary M. Haribabu demanded action against black marketing and better monitoring.

The meeting adopted a resolution, urging immediate government intervention and called on farmers and workers to participate in protests at all levels, starting March 30.