AP turns into agrarian state, reforms in education sector progressing: Jagan

Andhra Pradesh: Chief Minister Jagan Reddy on Sunday gave a vivid picture of the initiatives being taken by his government in agriculture and education sectors besides other areas of governance.

Speaking at the Niti Aayog governing council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the cultural centre in Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Sunday, the chief minister said AP has turned into an agrarian state post the 2014 bifurcation. Priority is being given to agriculture that now accounts for 35 per cent of the state GDP and 62 per cent of the population is dependent on this sector, he said.

The chief minister also gave a presentation on his governance, highlighting the village and ward secretariats and volunteer system, which “is taking governance to the doorsteps of the people.”

Jagan said his governance was corruption-free and transparent.

Listing out the various welfare steps for the farmers, the chief minister referred to the YSR Rythu Bharosa-PM Kisan, the free crop insurance, nine hours’ free power for farms, besides the setting up of 10,778 Rythu Bharosa Kendaras (RBKs) that served as a one-stop solution to all the agriculture needs of farmers, the supply of seeds to fertilizers, pesticides, the input subsidies and the state’s guidance to the farmers till the sale of their produce.

He said, “Making use of the digital technology, we have also introduced the CM App which monitors the crop purchase. Wherever needed, the government itself is buying the produce to help farmers. E-cropping is also done at RBKs, which also have kiosks. Farmers can order online their requirements, which will be supplied to them at their doorsteps.

“An integrated call centre is also in place to provide information, clear doubts and create awareness among farmers on the agricultural issues. We are also putting in efforts to shift the farmers towards organic mode by promoting changes in crop patterns and millets.”