Everyone should stand by farmers: Minister Atchannaidu

Amaravati : Minister Atchannaidu held a teleconference with senior officials of the Agriculture and Horticulture Department on crop protection in the wake of Cyclone Arnab. He ordered that measures be taken on a war footing to prevent damage to crops due to the impact of the cyclone. Everyone from village level agricultural assistants to senior officials should stand by the farmers. He said that farmers should be alerted so that crops ready for harvesting, harvested grain and stocks are not damaged. The Minister ordered that officials should visit the field level as soon as the weather improves and learn about the problems of farmers.

The minister said that special measures should be taken to save the submerged crops and remove the standing water in the fields. He said that the farmers should be provided with the necessary technical assistance for the restoration of crops after the cyclone. He revealed that the damage should be assessed village-wise, crop-wise and farmer-wise and reports should be submitted to the government. He ordered that proposals be prepared so that every eligible farmer receives government assistance in a timely manner. The first duty of the officials is to provide assurance to the farmers. Minister Atchannaidu suggested that they should work in coordination without any negligence at the field level.