Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed deep concern over the plight of farmers in Andhra Pradesh, stating that he will convey the gravity of the flood situation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit to the flood-affected areas alongside Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Chouhan acknowledged the severe impact on agricultural livelihoods and pledged the Central Government’s support.
Speaking to the media in Vijayawada on Friday, the Union Minister shared his observations from the tour of flood-hit regions. “I saw the pain in Chandrababu Naidu’s eyes when we visited the devastated farmlands. The farmers are facing an enormous burden due to the loss of crops like bananas, turmeric, betel nut, and rice. The damage to millet crops is particularly alarming, and even tenant farmers have suffered significantly,” said Chouhan.
The Minister emphasised that the Central Government, in coordination with the Andhra Pradesh administration, is committed to alleviating the financial difficulties of the farmers. “Through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the farmers will receive the necessary support. Additionally, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) holds Rs. 3,400 crore, including the Central contribution, to provide timely relief,” Chouhan informed.
Chouhan also held discussions with public representatives in Vijayawada, where ministers and local officials briefed him on the extent of the damage. Prominent leaders including Nara Lokesh, Achchennaidu, Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, and MP Purandeshwari were present at the meeting. The discussions focused on immediate relief measures and long-term recovery plans for the affected areas. Chouhan’s two-day visit extends beyond Andhra Pradesh, with plans to tour flood-affected regions in Telangana, including an aerial survey of Khammam district.
He is scheduled to meet with Telangana ministers and officials in Hyderabad later this evening. After a late-night meeting with Chief Minister Naidu and state officials yesterday, the Union Minister reiterated his commitment to ensuring that both states receive the necessary support from the Centre to recover from the disaster.
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