The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham has postponed its 23rd State Conference, originally scheduled to be held in Eluru from June 3 to 5, in view of the prevailing heatwave conditions.

Addressing a district committee meeting on Wednesday, A.P. Rythu Sangham State president V. Krishnaiah said the conference would now be held on July 3, 4 and 5 at the DCMS Function Hall in Eluru.

Mr. Krishnaiah said nearly 500 farmer delegates from across the State would participate in the three-day conference. A farmers’ rally and a public meeting would also be organised on July 3 with participation from leaders of the All India Kisan Sabha and various farmer organisations in the State.

He also announced village-level protests on May 28, 29 and 30 against the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) recently announced by the Central government. As part of the agitation, copies of the MSP notification would be burnt.

Alleging that cultivation costs had increased by nearly 20% due to the rise in fertiliser, petrol and diesel prices, Mr. Krishnaiah said MSPs had been increased by only 1% to 8%. He demanded implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations and fixation of MSPs at 50% above the cost of production.

He also expressed concern over the losses being suffered by Virginia tobacco growers and alleged that tobacco-buying companies were exploiting farmers. He called upon farmers to participate in the “Chalo Guntur” protest to be held before the Tobacco Board office on June 1.

The meeting also discussed the crisis in the aqua sector and demanded remunerative prices for shrimp besides implementation of the electricity subsidy promised to aqua farmers.