Date:22/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/11/22/stories/2007112251532300.htm

Back AP plea on hiking crop prices

Assembly passes resolution

Almost all the Opposition parties in the State have been demanding that the MSP for paddy be enhanced to
Rs 1,000.

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, Nov. 21

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution appealing to the Union Government to increase the minimum support price for several crops.

Almost all the Opposition parties in the State have been demanding that the MSP for paddy be enhanced to Rs 1,000. Several farmers’ associations, backed by the Opposition, observed a one-day bandh on Wednesday to press this demand.

Keeping in mind the appeals being made by the farmers, the Assembly asked for a hike of Rs 245 in MSP for common variety of paddy. The Union Government had announced an MSP of Rs 745 for this kharif.

The MSP suggested by the State Government for different crops (with the MSP announced by the Centre in brackets) are: paddy grade – A – Rs 1098 (Rs 775); jowar – Rs 1,137 (Rs 620); bajra – Rs 1,1179 (Rs 600); maize – Rs 925 (Rs 620); ragi – Rs 1,189 (Rs 600); red gram – Rs 3,051 (Rs 1,590); and cotton long staple – Rs 3,508 (Rs 2,030); cotton medium staple – Rs 3,081 (Rs 1,800).

The Assembly resolution also called for bringing castor, chilli and turmeric under the purview of MSP.