Govt to help farmers who lost crops: Minister

Hyderabad, Nov 03 (UNI)Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy today said the government would go all out to help the farmers who lost their crops due to the recent excessive rains and floods in a big way.

Talking to newsmen after a review meeting with officials about the loss sustained by the agriculture sector, he said the initial estimate of the losses sufferred by the agriculture and horticulture sector in 3.5 lakh hectares was put at Rs 550 crores.

He said the government would pay a compensation of Rs 750 per acre to the farmers who lost their crops, apart from giving input subsidy.

He said the government would also help the farmers to get fresh loans, apart from re-scheduling their existing loans. He also assured the farming community that agriculture scientists would help them to take up agricultural operations afresh.

The Agriculture Minister said the Chief Minister had decided that 20 kgs of rice and 5 litres of kerosene be distributed to each of the affected families.

The government had already sent enough stocks to districts to meet the commitment, he said adding Most of the affected families were still in relief camps where food was being provided. They would be provided rice and kerosene when they leave for their residences after the flood recedes.

UNI JRK VV SSI1615