Govt. spending ₹13,722 crore to provide free electricity to farmers, says Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday that the government was spending ₹13,722 crore to provide free electricity to farmers across the State. He also stated that 1.10 lakh agricultural electricity connections had been sanctioned so far to support the farming community.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Maddipati Venkata Raju regarding distribution of agricultural transformers and safety concerns in oil palm plantations, the Minister said that 177 agricultural transformers had already been distributed in the Gopalapuram constituency. An additional 239 transformers would be released shortly. He attributed minor delays in distribution to the ongoing agricultural season and assured that the remaining transformers would be supplied soon.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding oil palm cultivation, the Minister said special measures were being taken for the welfare and development of oil palm farmers. However, he expressed concern over rising electrical accidents during oil palm harvesting.

He explained that many accidents occur when iron poles used during harvesting come in contact with overhead power lines, leading to electrocutions. To prevent such incidents, he advised the use of covered fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) poles instead of iron poles. Though FRP poles cost ₹5,000, their usage, along with proper precautions, could significantly reduce accidents, he said, and urged MLAs to create awareness among farmers and agricultural workers about adopting safe practices.

The Minister also pointed out that shifting power lines was an expensive process and would be taken up based on availability of funds. He noted that accidents wer also occurring because houses were being constructed under power lines and crops being cultivated directly beneath overhead lines.

In oil palm plantations, he advised leaving adequate space under power lines to prevent contact during harvesting, especially as the trees grow up to 10 meters tall.

Additionally, he said steps were being taken to address risks posed by low-height transformers and assured that electricity department officials would remain vigilant and be ready to act to prevent accidents.