Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy released first installment Rs 3,928.88 crore YSR Rythu Bharosa – PM Kisan Scheme. Nearly 52.38 lakh farmers benefitted through this scheme, despite financial constraints in the times of Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that they are not subjected to any inconvenience while taking up agricultural operations for the ensuing Kharif season.

YS Jagan in his address to farmers across the State virtually from Tadepalli, he said they credited the amount directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries for the third year under the scheme so that they can use it as an investment for Kharif.

He also reiterated that the Centre should explore various alternatives to ramp up Covid – 19 vaccine production in order to fill the gaps in the vaccination drive and meet the existing demand. In the fight against the Covid – 19 pandemic, vaccination is the only way left for the people.  However, in view of the limited production of vaccines, it is imperative for all to learn to co-exist with Covid – 19 with all precautions for the time being, Jagan said.

The AP Government has also floated global tenders to procure Covid – 19 vaccines. The interested pharmaceutical companies have been asked to respond to the global tenders within three weeks. The bids for supply of vaccine need to be filed by June 3. A pre-bid meeting is likely to be held on May 20 and 22. As AP has come up with the proposal of floating global tenders for Covid – 19 vaccines first, the response is expected to be good.