Naidu Seeks Centre’s Support for AP Maize Farmers

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sought the intervention of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the purchase of maize grown in Andhra Pradesh during the 2025-26 rabbinical season.

In a letter to the Union minister, the Chief Minister said that maize farmers in the state are worried about a sharp decline in market prices and only ₹1,600 to ₹1,700 is being earned against the minimum support price of ₹2,400 per quintal.

Naidu stated that Andhra Pradesh expects maize production of around 42.06 lakh metric tonnes, while an additional 14.26 lakh metric tonnes is in the harvesting stage.

He said the lack of central support for maize procurement would create a financial burden on the state and called for the price difference to be paid directly to farmers under PM-AASHA.

The Chief Minister specifically urged the Center to treat Andhra Pradesh as a special case and provide 100 per cent financing for the price difference in maize procurement. He also sought extension of PM-AASHA till June 2026 and allow implementation of the scheme in coordination with NAFED and AP Markfed.