Article Today, Amaravati:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced an incentive of Rs. 800 for every bag of urea saved by farmers. The move, he said, was aimed at reducing excessive use of fertiliser and encouraging sustainable practices. The announcement comes at a time when farmers are already struggling with shortage of urea in the peak crop season.
Contradictory Signals
While the government has promised door delivery of fertilisers if required, it has also urged farmers to cut down on usage. Agricultural groups point out that this reflects a policy contradiction. Farmers, they argue, face confusion over how to manage crop requirements under the current shortage.
Economic Implications
The bonus scheme may look attractive on the surface, but questions remain on its practical benefits. For instance, a farmer reducing four bags to two will receive Rs. 1,600. However, if yield drops due to insufficient application, the resulting loss may exceed the bonus. Analysts warn that with fertiliser prices already high, the additional burden will be difficult for farmers to bear. The State government has said that funds from the PM-PRANAM scheme will be used, but clarity on disbursement remains uncertain.
Health Concerns Cited
Mr. Naidu also linked excessive urea use to cancer incidence, citing Punjab as an example. He argued that overuse of fertilisers had contributed to rising cancer cases in Andhra Pradesh. Experts, however, note that such claims require scientific backing. They caution that linking health fears to policy incentives without adequate farmer education may create anxiety rather than solutions.
Old Promises Revisited
The Chief Minister also spoke of animal hostels and dairy development through DWCRA women groups. Observers point out that such schemes have been announced in the past, but with little progress on implementation. Details on funding and timelines have not been clarified, leading to concerns that they may remain at the announcement stage.
Farmers Await Clarity
Farmer representatives stress that any reduction in fertiliser use should be accompanied by awareness campaigns on organic alternatives and soil health. Without such measures, they say, the scheme may place farmers in a difficult position. For now, the announcement is being seen as a political measure rather than a long-term solution. Whether farmers adopt the bonus scheme or treat it as another electoral promise will become clear in the coming season.
