Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has issued orders to take steps to provide compensation to farmers of crop damage due to untimely rains in the state by Tuesday evening. He made it clear that every farmer whose crop was damaged due to untimely rains will be supported. He also made it clear that assistance should be provided to those who died due to lightning.
Chandrababu Naidu held a video conference with district collectors on the crop damage caused by unseasonal rains in the state. Collectors, officials of the agriculture, horticulture and disaster departments attended the video conference. He said that paddy should be purchased from farmers.
He issued instructions to be vigilant for another two days. The preliminary report has been received that 2,224 hectares of paddy and 138 hectares of horticultural crops have been damaged. The Chief Minister made it clear that the crop damage should be assessed immediately and that every farmer who has suffered should receive compensation from the government.
He also ordered that compensation be provided immediately to the families of 8 victims who died due to lightning. The collectors briefed the CM about the untimely rains and the current situation in the districts. Collectors and officials were advised to alert the people as there is still a rain forecast for various districts in the state.
They were advised to go directly to people’s cell phones during thunderstorms and alert them if they are nearby and prepare the staff in the secretariats accordingly. They also wanted to release compensation as per the rules for cattle killed by lightning immediately. They were advised to coordinate with lower-level officials depending on the situation in the districts.
Officials explained to the CM that paddy and maize crops in 2,224 hectares in the state were damaged due to untimely rains. A preliminary assessment report was handed over to the CM to this extent. They said that these crops were mainly damaged in West Godavari, Nandyal, Kakinada and Sathya Sai districts.
Officials explained to the CM the details of the horticultural crops damaged in the state due to untimely rains. Banana, papaya, mango, and other horticultural crops were damaged. Of this, banana and mango crops were mostly damaged. A total of 138 hectares of horticultural crops were damaged across the state.
Saurabh Gaur, Special Secretary, Civil Supplies Department, explained to the CM that they have set a target of purchasing 20 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in Rabi. He said that 13 lakh metric tons of paddy have already been purchased. He said that steps will be taken to purchase even the paddy that has changed color due to the rains.