Vijayawada: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is on a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where he has been meeting with farmers and assessing flood-affected areas. Today, the Minister visited Kesarpalli in the Gannavaram Assembly Constituency in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, where he interacted with local farmers and offered them reassurance.
During the visit, Chouhan conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions, including Meenavalu, Peddagopavaram, Mannur, and Kattleru in Telangana, as well as Khammam and Munneru. He later met with the affected communities in Khammam, where he discussed their concerns and the extensive damage caused by the recent floods.
Speaking to the farmers, Chouhan said, “We are working to provide immediate help. No one needs to be disappointed—we will work together, and the Central Government will support the State Government in bringing relief to the people and ensuring that the farmers recover from this crisis.”
In a heartfelt moment, the Union Minister personally comforted a farmer in Khammam district, who shared the devastation of losing his crops to the floods. Chouhan embraced the farmer, wiped his tears, and assured him of support. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent me here to understand your pain,” the Minister said. “You may have lost your crops, but you will not lose hope or your livelihood. As someone from a farming family, I feel your pain, and we will ensure appropriate compensation.”
The Minister further emphasized that the Central Government would work closely with local authorities to assess the damage and provide necessary relief. He assured the farmers that loan recoveries would be halted during the crisis, and there would be no shortage of fertilizers and seeds for the next planting season.
Chouhan noted that the floods have caused severe damage to crops, including banana, turmeric, and vegetables, with large-scale destruction in horticulture areas. Many farmers, especially those leasing land, have suffered significant financial losses. The Minister outlined four key priorities for the government: providing immediate relief, ensuring farmers receive benefits from the crop insurance scheme, supporting those who farm on leased land, and helping farmers prepare for the next crop season.
Chouhan praised the efforts of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, noting his deep concern for the affected farmers. “I have seen tears in the eyes of Chandrababu Naidu, but I have also witnessed the sensitivity and commitment with which the State Government is handling this crisis. The Central Government will fully support their efforts.”
The Union Minister announced an immediate assistance package of Rs. 3,448 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), which includes the Centre’s contribution. Beyond immediate relief, the government will focus on providing fertilizers and seeds for the upcoming crop season to ensure farmers can recover from their losses.