YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) supremo and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the current Andhra Pradesh government, alleging that the state’s agricultural sector has been severely neglected, leading to an unprecedented crisis for farmers. Reddy made the startling claim that one kilogram of bananas is currently being sold at a distress price of just fifty paise ($0.50), making it cheaper than a single matchbox or a biscuit.
In a strong statement posted on 'X' (formerly Twitter), Reddy appealed to the nation, exclaiming, "Hello India, look towards Andhra Pradesh! One kilogram of bananas is being sold for just Rs 0.50! Yes, you heard it right, fifty paise. This is the plight of banana farmers in AP."
📢 HELLO INDIA, LOOK TOWARDS ANDHRA PRADESH!
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) December 1, 2025
One kilogram of bananas is being sold for just Rs 0.50!
Yes, you heard it right, fifty paise. This is the plight of banana farmers in AP.
Cheaper than a matchbox, cheaper than a single biscuit. This is a cruel blow to farmers who… pic.twitter.com/Egqh7oXDRD
He termed the situation a "cruel blow" to farmers, who have invested lakhs of rupees and months of hard work, only to face financial devastation and loss.
Allegations of Government Neglect
The former Chief Minister accused the ruling TDP-led NDA government of abandoning the farming community. He claimed that critical support measures promised to the farmers are not being delivered:
Non-Remunerative Prices: He highlighted that not just bananas, but other major crops like onions and tomatoes are also failing to fetch remunerative prices.
Failed Promises: Reddy alleged that free crop insurance, input subsidies during calamities, and cultivation support, which were assured to the farmers, have all proven to be a "farce."
Contrast with Previous Government
Reddy drew a sharp contrast between the current situation and the tenure of his YSRCP government (2019-2024). He claimed that during his rule, measures were taken to ensure market stability and prevent distress sales:
"During the YSRCP's tenure, the price of bananas was maintained at an average of Rs 25,000 per tonne. Special trains were arranged from the state to New Delhi to ensure farmers never incurred losses, and cold storages were constructed across the state to protect farmers from distress sales."
He further argued that the current collapse in prices makes agriculture "non-viable and unsustainable," questioning the dignity of the farmers' labour when their produce is valued so low.
Demand for Central Intervention
Echoing Reddy’s concerns, a YSRCP Rajya Sabha member also raised the issue in Parliament, urging the Union Agriculture Ministry to immediately intervene and provide relief to the banana farmers of the Rayalaseema region. The member highlighted reports that in major banana-producing zones like Pulivendula, prices had plummeted drastically, forcing many farmers to discard their ripe produce entirely.
The YSRCP’s public outcry is putting significant pressure on the government to address the agricultural market failure and provide immediate financial support to farmers grappling with the crash in commodity prices.
