YSRCP claims that there is a shortage of fertilizers in Andhra Pradesh

The government has also failed to ensure remunerative prices for tobacco and mango farmers, YSRCP leader MVS Nagi Reddy claims. | Photo credit: File Photo

YSRCP (Agriculture and Farmer Welfare) general secretary MVS Nagi Reddy on Friday said that Andhra Pradesh is facing a severe fertilizer shortage and accused the NDA government of neglecting farmers during the crucial kharif season.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Tadepalli, Mr. Nagi Reddy claimed that liquor is available even in remote areas but farmers are facing difficulties in getting fertilisers.

Urging the government to withdraw the app-based distribution system, he said poor internet connectivity and digital payment issues in rural and agency areas were preventing farmers from accessing subsidized fertilisers.

Mr. Nagi Reddy pointed out discrepancies in the official rainfall data and said the Agriculture Department reported a 25.8% rainfall deficit as on June 24, while the AP Water Resources Information and Management System (APWRIMS) website showed a deficit of 1.4 mm on June 26.

Mr. Nagi Reddy said that the area under paddy and maize cultivation has increased from 1.46 million hectares to 2.95 million hectares as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, which ensures greater availability of chemical fertilizers. He argued that chemical fertilizers were necessary for food security and warned against over-reliance on organic farming, citing the food crisis in Sri Lanka as an example.

He questioned the government’s claim that organic farming was being done on 18 thousand acres and asked why the demand for chemical fertilizers had not gone down. He argued that organic farmers receive little institutional support.

The YSRCP leader further accused the government of failing to ensure remunerative prices for tobacco and mango growers and alleged that the juice processing units had formed a cartel to suppress mango prices. He demanded that the Center and the state jointly provide ₹360 crore to support mango growers and called for immediate steps to remove application-based restrictions, ensure adequate supply of fertilizers and protect farmers’ interests.

Published – 26 Jun 2026 18:51 IST