Babu orders crop loss relief

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday directed officials to take immediate measures to mitigate crop losses caused by unseasonal rains and prevent disruptions in essential supplies across the state. Reviewing the situation during a video conference with district collectors and senior officials, the chief minister assessed damage caused by heavy winds, unseasonal rains and hailstorms across multiple districts.

"Officials should take immediate measures to assess crop losses and ensure support to affected farmers while preventing any disruption in essential supplies," Naidu said in an official press release. Officials informed the chief minister that maize crop in 4,840 hectares, paddy in over 1,530 hectares and black gram in 310 hectares were damaged across 42 mandals in 12 districts, with losses estimated at Rs 40 crore.

They (officials) further said that horticulture crops, including banana, papaya, chilli, vegetables, mango, orange and lemon were damaged in over 1,300 hectares across 48 mandals in nine districts, with losses pegged at nearly Rs 23 crore. Discussing the LPG supply situation, Naidu instructed officials to strengthen systems to avoid any future disruptions and ensure smooth availability across the state.

He emphasised the need to explore alternative options such as induction stoves, Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and electric vehicles to reduce dependency on conventional fuels. The chief minister noted that global supply chains could be affected due to the ongoing Iran-Israel/US conflict and stressed the need for constant monitoring to prevent any crisis.

Naidu directed officials to hold consultations with the Centre to avoid shortages of fertilisers, petrol and diesel in the state. He further instructed officials that priority should be given to LPG supply in rural and tribal areas, as well as in educational institutions and temples.