HYDERABAD: The Telangana BJP expressed its appreciation for the Union government's decision to increase the minimum support price (MSP) for various crops in the upcoming Kharif crop season and the 2023-24 marketing season. Union minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the significant benefits for Telangana farmers, with MSPs having increased by an average of 60 per cent to 80 per cent since 2014, especially for crops like sunflower and cotton. “To encourage cotton farmers and promote Telangana handlooms and textiles MSP for cotton has seen a 75 per cent increase since 2014. As it is the second largest paddy producing state, the increase in MSP for paddy and maize by approximately 60 per cent since 2014 has benefited the annadatas,” he said.
BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar emphasised the government's commitment to doubling the MSP for all crops. “Modi has shown that he cares deeply for farmers and their welfare with the latest decision,” he said.
Party leaders D.K. Aruna, Dr G. Vivek Venkatswamy, Garikapati Mohan Rao, and A.P. Jithender Reddy also praised the decision, recognising its positive impact on farmers in Telangana.
However, Rythu Swarajya Vedika noted that the increase in MSP, when compared to the existing MSP, was marginal, ranging between 5 per cent and 7 per cent. They highlighted that cultivation costs, especially due to factors like rising diesel prices and input costs, surpass general inflation rates. The organisation also highlighted the farmers' demand for a guarantee of receiving the minimum support prices, which the government has remained silent on, rendering such announcements less meaningful.
