Vijayawada: Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, visited Kesarpalli in the Gannavaram Assembly Constituency of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on Friday, where he interacted with farmers. Chouhan, who is on a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Meenavalu, Peddagopavaram, Mannur, and Kattleru in Telangana, as well as an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas of Khammam and Munneru.
The Union Minister met with the people of Khammam to discuss their challenges. Chouhan said, “We are working to provide immediate assistance. No one should feel discouraged; we will work together, and the Central Government will help the people overcome this crisis. The Central Government stands with the State Government, and we will ensure that farmers are supported through every difficulty.”
Chouhan mentioned that he had discussions with farmers in Khammam district regarding their losses. He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent me to understand your pain. You may have lost your crops, but he will not allow you to lose hope,” adding, “I come from a farming family, so I understand the pain of my fellow farmers. However, this suffering and these tears will not last; we will ensure appropriate compensation.”
Chouhan stated that the government will first assess the crop damage and will soon provide compensation. “We will request the banks to refrain from recovering loans from farmers during this time of crisis. There will be no shortage of fertilizers and seeds for the next crop. This crisis is unprecedented, but the Prime Minister is sensitive to the situation, and we will work with the state government to restore normalcy in farmers’ lives,” he said.
Chouhan also visited the farms to assess the extent of the damage. “Entire crops of banana, turmeric, and vegetables have been destroyed. Many farmers in this area engage in horticulture on a large scale, and some farm on leased land. These farmers often have to give a substantial portion of their crop or money to the landowners. They have invested their resources, and now their crops are completely destroyed. But we are here to assure them that, following the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Chief Minister of the state is working with sensitivity,” Chouhan said.
The Union Minister outlined four key priorities. He said, “Our first priority is to provide immediate assistance to the farmers. Next, we will ensure they benefit from the crop insurance scheme. Our third priority is to make provisions for farmers who work on leased land. Finally, we will help farmers with the next crop. These issues are in front of us, but under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, we will find solutions.”
Chouhan emphasized that the Prime Minister is deeply concerned about the flood situation in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is equally committed. “I have seen tears in the eyes of Chandrababu Naidu,” he said.
Although the damage has been significant, Chouhan expressed confidence that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, is working with full competence and sensitivity. The Central Government will provide full support. Immediate assistance worth Rs 3,448 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), which includes the Centre’s share, is already available to the state.