Andhra CM Naidu Orders Swift Compensation for Farmers Hit by Unseasonal Rains

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to complete damage assessments and disburse compensation to rain-affected farmers by May 6. He also ordered ex-gratia for lightning victims’ families and emphasized full paddy procurement, even if harvests exceed targets, ensuring no farmer is left behind.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed state officials to ensure that all farmers affected by recent unseasonal rains receive compensation by May 6. During a review meeting at the state Secretariat on Monday, Naidu emphasized the urgency of completing crop damage assessments without delay.

According to initial reports, the unseasonal rains caused significant damage to paddy and maize crops across approximately 2,224 hectares. The districts of West Godavari, Nandyal, Kakinada, and Sri Sathyasai were the hardest hit. Naidu directed that immediate financial support be extended to these farmers and highlighted the importance of a prompt and compassionate response from the administration.

In addition to crop damage, eight fatalities due to lightning strikes were reported. The Chief Minister ordered the release of ex-gratia payments to the families of the deceased and compensation for livestock losses in the affected regions. He called on district collectors and local officials to increase public awareness and take proactive safety measures as further rain is forecast in several districts.

Naidu urged officials to prioritize humanitarian values, particularly in disaster situations. He suggested that in case mobile alerts fail to reach vulnerable populations during lightning strikes, local authorities should personally alert and evacuate communities at risk.

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Civil Supplies Special Secretary Saurabh Gaur updated Naidu on the ongoing Rabi season procurement, revealing that 13 lakh tonnes of the targeted 20 lakh tonnes of paddy have already been collected. The Chief Minister assured that even discoloured paddy would be procured and said that the government is ready to seek central assistance if needed to manage surplus procurement.

Naidu reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no farmer is left unsupported during this crisis.