CM Chandrababu Naidu Directs Officials to Protect Farmers from El Nino Impact

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to take advance measures to protect farmers from potential losses due to the impact of El Nino, while also ensuring that prices of essential commodities such as rice, onions and palm oil remain under control.

Reviewing the preparedness for El Nino through a teleconference with officials, Naidu said the weather phenomenon could have implications beyond agriculture and affect multiple sectors. He stressed the need for coordinated action based on the preparedness plan already drawn up by the state government.

The Chief Minister asked officials to closely assess the situation and implement the planned measures without delay. Along with safeguarding farmers, he called for steps to prevent abnormal increases in the prices of essential commodities in the market.

Naidu also reviewed the availability of rice stocks in warehouses across the state and instructed officials to release adequate quantities into the market wherever necessary to help moderate prices. On onions, he said the government was procuring supplies from different regions as part of its efforts to keep prices in check.

He called for a more market-oriented approach to crop planning, asking officials to encourage farmers to grow onions and other crops based on future demand. Farmers should be guided to consider market requirements while selecting crops, he said.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need to ensure that farmers who suffer crop losses receive compensation through crop insurance schemes. He asked the authorities to take all necessary steps so that eligible farmers are not left without support after weather-related losses.

To address rising vegetable prices, Naidu suggested promoting kitchen gardens across the state. He asked officials to involve self-help groups in encouraging households and communities to grow vegetables in available spaces.

According to the Chief Minister, organised promotion of kitchen gardens could supplement market supplies and help moderate vegetable prices to some extent.

Naidu called for El Nino to be treated as a challenge requiring collective action, with officials, public representatives, farmers and other sections of society working together. He emphasised that advance planning and coordination would be crucial in reducing the possible impact on agriculture, markets and the wider economy.