Union Minister promises full government support to cyclone-affected farmers

The government will provide maximum possible assistance to every affected farmer facing crop losses due to cyclones 'Arnab' and 'Murasu' in Andhra Pradesh, stated Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications.

He made these remarks while inspecting affected agricultural fields in the Kolipara mandal of Guntur district. He visited the site along with MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad. The Minister noted that crops of paddy, black gram, and cotton have suffered extensive damage due to these cyclones. He observed that despite the drought conditions created by El Niño, farmers had achieved a production of approximately 50 bags per acre this year, as irrigation water was available through the Pattiseema project.

The Union Minister stated that the government is already providing ₹20,000 under the Annadata Sukhibhava-PM Kisan Yojana, and additional input subsidies will be granted after the assessment of crop losses. He assured farmers that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for central assistance, and he would make efforts at the central government level regarding this matter.

Chandra Sekhar directed officials that despite being busy with election duties, the calculation of crop losses must be completed within 48 to 72 hours to ensure no affected farmer is left out. Appealing to landowners, he said it should be ensured that input subsidies reach tenant farmers, as their financial stability is essential to continue farming. He also requested farmers to register for crop insurance schemes to obtain protection against natural disasters.

Furthermore, scientists from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University have been assigned seven to eight villages each. The Minister stated that scientists should regularly visit fields to guide farmers on crop protection and disaster management.

Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar is serving as the Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications.