Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy directed the Agricultural Department to complete the authentication under the e-cropping system and hand over both physical and digital receipts to farmers by 15 October across the state.
During the review meeting on agricultural and allied sectors held here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said a social audit should also be completed within the given deadlines.
He was informed that the cultivation of paddy crops will be completed on 1.15 crore acres by the end of the current Khariff season in the state, while 96 lakh metric tonnes of seeds are being readied for the coming Rabi season, catering to 57.31 lakh acres.
Observing that e-cropping has led to transparency in paddy procurement, he directed the officials to supply all materials, including gunny bags, to the farmers at the right time, besides providing logistical support. The farmers should never get the feeling that they are selling their paddy for a lower price than MSP. In such circumstances, higher officials should intervene and ensure that farmers are paid MSP for their agricultural produce.
Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKS) should be used to educate farmers on the importance of selling their produce at the right time. In the wake of abundant production of paddy in the state, officials should explore ways to export rice by working with export companies, he said.