Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji has made a passionate plea to the State government: ensure the immediate release of crop loss compensation for farmers who bore the brunt of Cyclone Montha. Shivaji emphasized that this financial relief must reach affected farmers promptly, ideally before the rainwater naturally drains from their fields, exacerbating their challenges.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Shivaji highlighted the immense devastation caused by the cyclone, particularly for paddy cultivators. He reported that vast stretches of paddy crops, spanning several lakh acres, were submerged. “The government must take swift action to disburse crop loss compensation as quickly as possible, before the fields dry out. The process of enumerating crop losses should be finalized within the coming days,” he demanded.
Mr. Shivaji also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that the Centre would provide all possible support to the State. He urged Chief Minister Naidu to actively pursue the immediate release of ₹2,000 crore in financial aid from the Union government to assist farmers who have suffered catastrophic losses due to Cyclone Montha.
Furthermore, Shivaji underscored the importance of providing comprehensive government assistance to farmers in the cyclone-affected districts, guiding them in preparing their damaged fields to successfully cultivate a second crop.