Committed to free power to farm sector: AP Governor

E S L Narasimhan says supply of adequate power has been ensured to over 3.2 million pump sets in the state

The Andhra Pradesh government has reiterated its commitment to provide free power to the farm sector, which the power utilities say consumes 40 per cent of the total supply.

“My government is committed to supply free power to the farmers. Even though the power situation has been very difficult in the recent past, supply of adequate power has been ensured to over 3.2 million pump sets in the state,” said Governor ESL Narasimhan.

Addressing a joint session of the state legislative Assembly on the opening day of the Budget session on Wednesday, the Governor, however, said the power problem was likely to ease as 2,200 Mw additional capacity by APGenco and another 1,000 Mw in the private sector was expected to go on stream in the next 12 months.

He also announced new initiatives such as a separate plan for agriculture and introduction of  Comprehensive Financial Management System (CFMS) to network financial receipts and payments across all government departments.

“A separate plan for the farming sector is being presented  for the very first time. This is aimed at convergence of agriculture with allied sectors for  promoting value addition and ensuring better returns for the farmers,” he said.

The CFMS would lead to better management control and improved implementation of all projects. He also said his government was hopeful of achieving the growth target of 10 per cent during the 12th Plan on the back of the projected Plan outlay, which is twice that of the last plan period.

TRS members shouted slogans  during his  address. The governor also had to face occasional paper missiles from TRS members while other Opposition parties, including the main Telugu Desam, boycotted the ceremonial address.