Central Team Reviews Agricultural and Infrastructure Damage in Kakinada District

A Central Inter-Ministerial Team on Sunday visited cyclone-affected areas in Kakinada district to assess the damage caused to paddy crops and understand the difficulties faced by farmers. The team inspected agricultural fields in Polekuru (Bapanapalli) village of Tallarevu mandal and Kolanki village of Kajuluru mandal, where standing crops were submerged in water or flattened by strong winds.

Led by Chittaranjan Das, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the team examined the extent of crop damage and its likely impact on agricultural production. Officials from the Agriculture Department briefed the members on the affected acreage, cultivation expenses and expected losses in paddy yields.

Farmers used the interaction to highlight the financial distress caused by the cyclone, particularly among tenant cultivators. They said they had invested between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 35,000 per acre but lost their crops just before harvest, leaving them with little opportunity to recover their investments. They appealed to the authorities for immediate financial assistance and relief measures.

The farmers also sought the waiver of land revenue on Endowment Department lands and pointed out that the destruction of crops had created a shortage of fodder for livestock. They urged the government to expedite input subsidies and crop insurance payments to help affected cultivators recover from their losses.

Another major concern raised during the visit was the procurement of cyclone-damaged paddy. Farmers requested the government to relax quality standards and purchase discoloured grains rather than reject produce affected by excessive rainfall and strong winds. They also demanded free crop insurance coverage or a reduction in the existing farmer premium of Rs. 760. Additionally, they sought the supply of slender paddy varieties that can deliver yields comparable to Swarna while remaining resistant to lodging.

The team's assessment also covers damage to infrastructure, including electricity networks, roads and other essential facilities. Officials concerned explained the extent of the damage, ongoing restoration work and relief being extended to affected communities.

The Central team includes Agriculture Department Additional Development Commissioner Prashant Armolikar, Finance Ministry Assistant Director Himalaya Garg and Central Electricity Authority Deputy Director Pranay Garg. State Disaster Management Authority MD Prakhar Jain, Kakinada Joint Collector Apurva Bharat and officials from various departments accompanied the team during the inspection.