AP set to supply 9-hr free power to farmers
The govt will procure 7,000MW power from SECI at Rs2.49/ unit
Energy Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy
Vijayawada: The State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is taking a series of steps to strengthen the 'Dr YSR nine-hours day-time free power supply scheme' to ensure free power to farmers for the next 25 years in order to make agriculture a profitable activity, said Energy Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy on Monday.
On the eve of Sankranti which is the festival of farmers, he held a telephonic review with power sector officials on the general power supply position in the State particularly the agriculture sector and said that the nine-hours free power scheme has given a bharosa (assurance/ security) to farmers to protect their crops.
It will definitely help to make agriculture the most valuable activity. It will help to boost agriculture productivity, enhance rural economy in all regions and help total development of Andhra Pradesh, he said.
The Minister also said that Andhra Pradesh has taken a bold and wise decision to procure power from SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) to the tune of 7,000 MW at a cost effective rate of Rs 2.49 per unit.
