Hyderabad, October 9:
The Telangana government has released ₹79.57 crore in compensation to farmers whose crops were damaged by heavy rains from August 31 to September 6. The rainfall, which ranged from heavy to very heavy in several parts of the state, caused extensive damage to crops spread across 79,574 acres in 28 districts. A total of 79,216 farmers have been identified as eligible for compensation, and the funds will be directly credited to their bank accounts at a rate of ₹10,000 per acre.
Khammam, Mahabubabad, and Suryapet Worst Hit
The districts of Khammam, Mahabubabad, and Suryapet reported the highest losses. Khammam alone saw crop damage over 28,407 acres, followed by Mahabubabad with 14,669 acres and Suryapet with 9,828 acres. These districts, known for their agricultural output, have suffered significant setbacks, impacting thousands of farmers. In the remaining 22 districts, crop losses ranged from 19 acres to 3,288 acres, as confirmed by Agriculture Department officials.
Government Response
State Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao addressed the media, confirming the release of ₹79.57 crore in relief funds. He assured farmers that the government is committed to providing swift assistance. The compensation will be deposited directly into farmers’ bank accounts to eliminate any delays and ensure transparency. “We understand the difficulties farmers face when their crops are lost due to unpredictable weather. The government is taking all necessary steps to support them through these challenging times,” he said.
Relief Measures and Future Plans
In addition to the direct compensation, the government has instructed district officials to provide further assistance through agricultural extension services, including guidance on crop rehabilitation and replanting. Minister Rao highlighted that the state’s disaster response mechanism had worked effectively to assess crop damage and disburse relief within a short period of time.
The agriculture department has also been asked to keep a close watch on the situation as the monsoon continues, with periodic assessments of any further damage. The minister stressed that a long-term plan to support farmers affected by extreme weather patterns, exacerbated by climate change, is under discussion.
Focus on Khammam and Mahabubabad
Khammam and Mahabubabad, being the worst affected districts, will be prioritized for additional support. The state government has announced a special review meeting to monitor ongoing relief efforts in these regions. Local officials are working with the agriculture department to expedite the payment process and ensure that every affected farmer receives compensation.
The state’s focus remains on stabilizing the agricultural sector in the wake of these losses. The government has urged farmers to utilize the compensation funds to revive their farming activities as soon as possible, with special emphasis on sustainable farming practices to mitigate future risks.
Farmers Express Relief but Urge Long-term Solutions
Many farmers expressed relief at the government’s quick action in releasing compensation, but there is a growing demand for longer-term measures to safeguard agriculture from recurring climatic disruptions. Some farmer leaders have called for increased investment in irrigation infrastructure, crop insurance, and weather-resilient farming techniques to reduce the impact of unpredictable monsoons.
While the compensation offers immediate relief, agricultural experts emphasize the importance of preparing for future challenges, with the state’s farmers hoping for continued support from the government in securing their livelihoods.
