Khammam: The President of the Telangana State Farmers Association, Bagam Hemantha Rao, expressed concern about the drying crops in the Chintakani and Konijarla mandals. He blamed the situation on delays in weeding and the release of irrigation water by the authorities. Rao, along with CPI District Secretary Potu Prasad and other leaders from the farmers’ association, visited the affected fields on Thursday.
During their visit, Rao criticised the government for not releasing irrigation water, despite an earlier announcement made two weeks ago that wells would be filled urgently. He questioned why the authorities had allowed this neglect for more than 20 days, causing the crops to suffer.
Rao pointed out that even though modern technology and machines are available, the delays in filling ditches highlight the government’s lack of attention towards the farming community. He explained that farmers had invested a lot of money, but now their crops are withering, leading to significant financial losses. Heavy rains had earlier caused mudslides in agricultural lands, and farmers, expecting more rain, did not dig ditches. This has caused both irrigation water and piers to dry up, further damaging the crops.
Rao demanded that the authorities act quickly to dig ditches and provide irrigation water. He warned that if water is not released within a few days, the CPI Rythu Sangam would organise protests, including blocking the offices of the Irrigation Department and the District Collector.
Additionally, Rao asked the government to reconsider the compensation given to farmers for lands damaged by floods. He called for Rs 25,000 per acre for farmers with minimal losses and Rs 1 lakh per acre for land in river catchment areas that are now uncultivable. He also requested free seeds and fertilizers for farmers who are replanting crops like chili and rice.
CPI District leaders, including Potu Prasad, and other members of the Rythu Sangam were present during the inspection of the fields.
