Amaravati, Oct 3: YSRCP Chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over his claim of attracting Rs 1 lakh crore investment in horticulture in Rayalaseema. Jagan questioned the basis of the announcement and accused the government of making tall claims without adequate budget allocation or actual expenditure.
Responding to Chandrababu’s statement, Jagan said the government should stop making publicity-driven announcements and focus on the problems faced by farmers. He questioned how the government could claim such a massive horticulture investment when, according to him, no corresponding budget allocation or spending had taken place.
Jagan Questions Government’s Record on Farmers
Jagan alleged that the government has failed to provide adequate support to horticulture and other farmers over the past two and a half years. He pointed to farmer protests over poor prices for agricultural and horticultural produce and questioned whether the government had taken sufficient steps to protect farmers from price fluctuations.
He also criticised the government over the Price Stabilisation Fund, crop insurance and other farmer-support measures. According to Jagan, changes to these schemes have increased the financial pressure on farmers.
Jagan further alleged that the government had weakened the zero-interest loan scheme and failed to provide timely input subsidies. He said farmers need direct financial and agricultural support rather than large investment announcements.
Rayalaseema Farmers Face Drought Conditions
The former Chief Minister also highlighted the severe drought conditions being reported across Rayalaseema. He said horticulture crops spread across thousands of acres are facing water shortages, leaving farmers struggling to protect their crops.
Jagan questioned Chandrababu’s claims of being a “Water Man” while farmers in drought-hit areas are reportedly struggling to secure water for their fields.
He also raised concerns over the status of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project, alleging that the project remains stalled and that the government has failed to revive it.
Farmers Spending Thousands on Water Tankers
According to Jagan, a large number of borewells in Rayalaseema have dried up amid the drought conditions. He claimed that farmers are spending around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per water tanker to keep their horticulture trees alive.
The additional cost of arranging water has placed another financial burden on farmers already dealing with crop losses and uncertain market prices.
Jagan Calls for Immediate Drought Relief
Jagan said the government should focus on immediate drought-relief measures instead of promoting a proposed horticulture hub through large investment figures. He urged the government to provide practical assistance to farmers facing water shortages and crop losses.
The dispute over the Rs 1 lakh crore horticulture investment claim has therefore become part of a broader political debate over farmer welfare, drought management and agricultural investment in Andhra Pradesh.
Jagan called for immediate action to support drought-affected farmers and protect horticulture crops across Rayalaseema.
