Latest news with #K.Atchannaidu
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Sharmila slams NDA govt. in Andhra Pradesh for ‘abandoning' Aadabidda Nidhi scheme
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila slammed the NDA government in the State for 'abandoning' the promised 'Aadabidda Nidhi' scheme. 'Looks like the government has already done away with the scheme, which was included in the much-hyped Super Six promises,' she posted on X. Referring to Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu's statement that the government would have to sell Andhra Pradesh to implement the scheme, Ms. Sharmila said the TDP should have known this before including it in the Super Six promises. Under the scheme, the TDP had promised a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to all eligible women aged between 18 and 59. She criticised the ruling party's claim on 'good governance' and alleged that women were being betrayed under the guise of welfare. She said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu owed an explanation to the people on why were women being taken for a ride by his government.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Govt has to sell A.P. to implement women's scheme, says Minister
Minister for Agriculture K. Atchannaidu on Tuesday stirred the hornets nest by saying that the government has to sell off Andhra Pradesh State if it wants to implement the 'Adabidda Nidhi' scheme one of the Super Six assurances given by the Telugu Desam Party prior to the 2024 general election. Mr. Atchannaidu made the sensational comments during a public meeting held at Mangalampalam in Kotthavalasa mandal of Vizianagaram on Tuesday. While participating in Suparipalana Toli Adugu programme organised to highlight the government's 'achievements' in the last one year, Mr. Atchannaidu said that it would be a herculean task for the government to provide financial assistance of ₹1,500 every month to all women above 18 years under the scheme. 'The government is left with no option except to sell the State to implement the Adabidda Nidhi, scheme. Despite the funding concerns, Mr. Atchannaidu announced that free bus travel for women will be rolled out from August 15, on Independence Day.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Reduce GST on mango pulp from 12% to 5%, Atchannaidu urges Union Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has urged the Central government to extend strong support for the revival of the agriculture sector in the State. Mr. Atchannaidu met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday in New Delhi and pressed for a reduction in GST on mango pulp from 12% to 5%, highlighting the distress of mango farmers in Chittoor, Tirupati and Annamayya districts. Later, speaking to reporters, he criticised the previous YSRCP government, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, for neglecting farmers and failing to leverage Central schemes, which he claimed led to widespread damage to the agriculture sector. He noted that nearly 64% of Andhra Pradesh's population depends on agriculture and allied activities. Restoration of courses In a key development, the Minister announced that the Centre has approved the restoration of third and fourth-year and A.H. courses at the Garividi Veterinary College under Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University for 2022–23 and 2023–24, after a gap of two years. Mr. Atchannaidu accused Mr. Jagan of staging political events under the guise of condolence visits, alleging misuse of funds and mobilisation of crowds from outside. He warned that the government would not tolerate any disruption to public order. Highlighting recent support for mango farmers, the Minister said 3.5 lakh tonnes of mangoes had been procured at ₹12 per kg, and a proposal for ₹130 crore under the Market Intervention Scheme had been sent to the Centre. He dismissed claims of fertilizer shortages, stating that over 8.73 lakh tonnes are available in stock. Urging the farmers not to believe misinformation spread by YSRCP leaders, he assured that the government is taking timely steps and ensuring fertilizers are available through private dealers, societies and Rythu Seva Kendras. He warned that dealers creating artificial scarcity or selling fertilizers above MRP would face strict action. He reiterated the government's commitment to putting the agriculture sector back on track with the Centre's cooperation.
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Uncertainty dogs mango business in erstwhile Chittoor district of A.P.
Notwithstanding the support price of ₹4 a kg, announced by the State government for the Totapuri mango growers, the situation in the mango-rich combined Chittoor district has not witnessed much improvement. While many of the fruit pulp units still remain closed due to lack of encouraging response in the international market, those that opened their gates to the fruit vendors are also worried about the consequences of accepting more stock than needed, fearing if they would be biting more than their ability to chew. The district bifurcation of 2022 has left Tirupati with fewer fruit processing units, with a chunk of them having gone to Chittoor district. As a result, the Tirupati mango growers are also going towards Gangadhara Nellore and Puthalapattu in the neighbouring district. Meanwhile, several farmers who resorted to panic harvesting, much against the government's advice to wait, have dumped their yield in the vicinity of fruit pulp units or near the mandis due to lack of remunerative price. In view of the spurt in supply and the resultant fall in price, and factories expressing reluctance to procure the fruits led to increased waiting time for the trucks and tractors, which means an additional rent burden for the farmers. When the procurement price hovers between ₹3 and ₹4 a kg and not the ₹8 promised by the government, the farmers are forced to dump the yield to at least avoid incurring additional expenditure. Minister for Agriculture K. Atchannaidu visited the Damalacheruvu market in Pakala mandal recently to infuse confidence among the farmers, but to no avail. Tirupati District Collector S. Venkateswar and Joint Collector Shubham Bansal, with the horticultural officials in tow, have been visiting the factories, mandis and the ramps, the three major procurement points, to ensure that the farmers are not taken for a ride. Hover, the price has not seen an encouraging rise. With the change in season likely to bring in gusty winds in a fortnight, the farmers who are yet to harvest Totapuri by paying heed to the government's advice, are worried over the possibility of the fruit withering.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Atchannaidu launches artificial reefs to boost fish production
Minister for Agriculture, Marketing and Fisheries K. Atchannaidu on Monday (May 19) flagged off the sinking of 'artificial reefs' to the seabed near Jalari Yendada in the city. Speaking on the occasion, he said these reefs would contribute to the growth of fish stock apart from promoting marine biodiversity, thereby improving the livelihood of fisherfolk. A total of 22 units of artificial reefs were being installed in North Andhra in the first phase. They would be placed off the coast of other districts in the State in a phases. He explained that 634 transponders were fixed on mechanised boats operating from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, with 100% subsidy, under the Pradhan Manthri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The transponders would help in tracking the location of mechanised boats at sea, and would be useful to the fisherfolk during cyclones and other natural calamities. Measures would be taken to provide GPS, echosounder, boat engines, nets and ropes on subsidy to fisherfolk in the future. Steps would also be taken to clear pending diesel oil subsidy and ex gratia payments. Representatives of mechanised boat associations brought their problems to the notice of the Minister. Later, Mr. Atchannaidu went on a boat to see the seaweed culture and cage culture units set up under PMMSY near RK Beach. Special Chief Secretary B. Rajasekhar, Fisheries Commissioner Rama Sankar Naik, Joint Director of Fisheries, Visakhapatnam, P. Lakshmana Rao, head of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Regional Centre Joe K. Kizhakudan, fishermen association leaders P.C. Appa Rao, M. Lakshmana Rao, Narasinga Rao, Balaji and Ch. Veeranna were among those who were present.
