State Prevented Major Cyclone Losses With Timely Measures: Manohar

kakinada: Civil supplies minister and Minister-in-charge of Eluru district Nadendla Manohar said that the state government has successfully prevented major cyclone losses thanks to the precautionary measures taken by the administration.

Speaking to the media in Eluru on Wednesday, he said assessments of property, crop and livestock losses should be completed by November 30 and cyclone relief measures have been intensified. He noted that 3,422 families were provided with food and accommodation at 90 hurricane relief centers in Eluru district and that these centers would remain operational until Wednesday evening.

The Minister stated that each affected family will be given 25 kg of rice, as well as lentils, sugar, cooking oil and two types of vegetables. Additionally, weaving workers and fisher families will be given an extra 25 kg of rice.

Manohar added that the government plans to procure 51 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in the current Kharif season and payments will be made to farmers within 48 hours of purchase.

Later, Manohar inspected the cyclone-damaged paddy fields in Vatluru village of Pedapadu mandal along with District Collector K. Vetri Selvi, Denduluru MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar, Unguturu MLA Patsamatla Dharma Raju and RTC Vijayawada District Chairman Reddy Appala Naidu.

Expressing concern over the losses, the minister said farmers were growing ‘1318’ paddy variety and it is expected to yield 42-44 bags per acre and provide quality straw to cattle. Although the variety was hardy, heavy rains and strong winds during the night destroyed the crops.

He assured farmers that the government will estimate transportation and crop losses for each affected acre and provide full support. The Minister also stated that damaged paddy will be purchased directly through paddy procurement centres.