Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is on a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Today, Shri Chouhan conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, including Budameru, catchment areas, submerged regions, Jakkampudi Milk Factory, Kandrika, Ajit Singh Nagar, and Ambapuram. He also inspected the Prakasham Barrage Dam and surrounding fields damaged by the recent heavy rains. The Union Minister also met local residents and farmers affected by the floods, listening to their concerns. He affirmed that both the Central and State governments are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and provide relief to those affected.
Jakkampudi, Shri Chouhan waded through floodwaters to personally meet and listen to the concerns of local residents. Prior to this, he toured the area in a lifeboat, holding discussions with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and officials to gather information on the submerged regions. After stepping off the boat, he directly interacted with affected individuals, assuring them that the Central Government is closely monitoring the situation. He emphasized that the Central Government, in collaboration with the State Government, is making every effort to provide relief and restore normalcy. Teams from both governments are consistently visiting affected areas, working around the clock to help those in need.
Shri Chouhan acknowledged that the region had experienced its heaviest rainfall in the last 50 years. He praised the efforts of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu and the state government officials for their relentless work in such challenging conditions. Despite the logistical difficulties, essential supplies like food, drinking water, and milk are being delivered to those in need. While immediate relief efforts are ongoing, Shri Chouhan noted that the damage to crops and household items is extensive. He assured the public that the Central Government will work with the State Government to provide full support during this crisis. Once the damage is fully assessed, the Central Government will provide all necessary assistance for compensation.
Shri Chouhan pointed out that crops in the region have suffered severe damage, particularly flower and turmeric cultivation. Initial estimates suggest that approximately 1.8 lakh hectares of crops have been damaged, affecting nearly 2 lakh farmers. The Union Minister added that Home Minister Amit Shah has already sent an NDRF team to assess the damage. Officials from the Agriculture Department have also been involved in the survey. Shri Chouhan assured that once the damage assessment is complete, the Central Government will provide full compensation and support to restore the livelihoods of affected farmers, families, and shopkeepers.
