Laxma Reddy slams Congress over maize transport delays, farmers protest in Mahabubnagar

Former Minister C Laxma Reddy accused the Congress government of negligence in maize procurement and transportation, supported protesting farmers in Jadcherla, and warned of large-scale BRS protests as farmers also staged demonstrations in Jogulamba Gadwal.

Mahabubnagar: Former Minister C Laxma Reddy criticised the Congress government for causing hardship to farmers by failing to transport procured maize stocks from the Jadcherla cotton market to warehouses.

Laxma Reddy extended support to farmers who staged a protest on the National Highway near Gangapur in Jadcherla on Saturday.

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He expressed anger that no action had been taken even after the issue was brought to the notice of officials five days ago. On Saturday, he again spoke to officials and demanded immediate steps to resolve the problem.

The former Minister said 40 tractors carrying produce were taken to the Nagasala warehouse, but only four were unloaded. As a result, farmers were forced to spend the entire night there, he alleged.

Laxma Reddy also demanded immediate transportation of the 40,000 bags of produce lying at the Jadcherla market to warehouses.

Describing the situation in the State as serious, he accused the Congress government of negligence in maize procurement. He blamed the crisis on poor planning and alleged that the administration failed to estimate cultivation extent and expected yield. He also said the government failed to arrange essential resources such as gunny bags, hamalis, transport lorries and warehouse space.

“People are ready to teach a fitting lesson to the incompetent Congress government. If the government fails to resolve the issue, the BRS party will organise large-scale protests in support of farmers,” Laxma Reddy said.

Farmers stage protest in Jogulamba Gadwal

Meanwhile, maize farmers staged a protest at the old bus stand circle in Jogulamba Gadwal demanding transportation of their stocks to warehouses.

The farmers alleged that Markfed officials had procured the stocks 20 days ago but failed to transport them to warehouses. Raising slogans against the Congress government, they squatted on the road in protest.

Traffic movement was disrupted due to the protest. The farmers withdrew their agitation after police officials appealed to them.