In a significant step towards fulfilling the promises made by the Andhra Pradesh government to the farmers in the state, Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy today credited interest subsidies to the accounts of 6,27,906 farmers who had taken farm loans of up to Rs 1 lakh during the 2019-20 rabi season and had repaid the same within a year, from his camp office in Tadepalli.
A total of Rs 128.47 crore was released for the subsidies under the state's YSR Sunna Vaddi scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Jagan said, "Where 60% of the world's population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, it is extremely important to support the sector through adequate welfare measures and support schemes. The AP government has always been committed to the welfare of the agrarian community in the state. We have taken many steps to ensure this. For instance, the farmers in AP receive free electricity. Besides the subsidies released today, we will also release more funds under the Rythu Bandhu scheme next month."
"Because of the efforts of our government, the arrears of the preceding government have also been paid to the farmers. We will always stand by our farmers," he added.
The Jagan government has, so far, provided interest subsidies totalling Rs 1,132.54 crore to the farmers.
While the government may currently be drawing flak for its decision to conduct the SSC and intermediate exams in the state despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it is sure to have left many satisfied with its commitment to social welfare.
Today's releasing of subsidies comes just a day after the release of the
first instalment of fee reimbursement amounts for 10.88 lakh students as part of the Jagananna Vidya Deevena scheme.