Farm debt waiver not a permanent solution, says VP Naidu

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday drew similarity between farm loan debt waiver and free power.

Vice President Naidu said, "Farm loan debt waiver is mere a temporary solution and not a permanent one. Same is the case with free power. Policy changes are needed to better the farmer's condition."

Talking about plethora of solutions for developing the farming sector, Vice President stated that modernisation of farming need not be blindly opposed and simultaneously, conventional farming should not be ignored.

VP Naidu said, "Natural farming, organic farming, water preservation are the need of the hour. Interlinking of rivers can solve many problems. Farmers need godown facilities and refrigerator vans to preserve their crops. Food processing should be much developed."

"Our Government is launching e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) to help farmers for fixing prices. PM Modi's idea of neem coating to urea prevented illegal shortage of urea. Many more innovative thoughts are needed for real welfare of farmers," VP Naidu added.

He was speaking at the 13th anniversary function of "Rytu Nestam" (farmers' friend) magazine.

On the eve, the magazine in association with the Muppavarapu Foundation, gave awards to best farmers, agriculture scientists, extension officers and agriculture journalists.

Padmasri "Vans Jeevi" D Ramaiah (who planted more than crore plants) was honored with "Prakruti Ratna" award. World renowned agriculture scientist Alapati Satyanarayana was awarded with the "Krishi Ratna" title for his lifelong services.

Agriculture ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana - S. Chandramohan Reddy and Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, AP health minister Kamineni Srinivas (BJP) and other dignitaries participated in the programme.

The programme was organized at the premises of Swarna Bharat Trust, Atkuru village in the outskirts of Vijayawada.