KCR and Modi govts taking farmers for a ride: Uttam

 HYDERABAD: Expressing grave concern at the unfulfilled promises made by the state and Union government for Telangana farmers, Nalgonda Lok Sabha member N. Uttam Kumar Reddy lambasted them for neglecting over one lakh farmers, who were severely hit by the recent unseasonal rains.

He was speaking to media persons after inaugurating a paddy procurement centre of Singaram primary agricultural cooperative society in Huzurnagar Assembly constituency on Wednesday.

Taking a dig at both governments for failing to deliver on one lakh loan waiver and crop insurance scheme, Reddy ridiculed the non-payment of Rythu Bandhu dues to farmers holding over 10 acres and supply of free fertilizers.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 promise to double farmers' income by 2022 has fallen flat. In fact, the income of farmers has nosedived because of inflation," he said.

The Congress veteran alleged that the Modi government has burdened farmers by imposing GST on agricultural equipment and input materials. In spite of international crude prices falling significantly, the price of diesel has increased by over 60% in the country, adding to their woes, he said.

Reddy said that because of non-waiver crop loans of up to one lakh, most farmers are not able to secure fresh loans from banks. He regretted the phase-wise waiver. He said that till date crop loans of up to Rs 35,000 have been waived. At this pace, it would take the BRS government another five years to completely waive off the remaining loans, he said.

Reddy said that the Rythu Bandhu scheme was a mere hype and the Rs 5,000 per acre support does not genuinely aid farmers.