KAKINADA, Oct 29: YSRCP leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister Kurasala Kannababu on Thursday accused the state government of neglecting farmers affected by Cyclone Arnab, alleging that it was focusing more on publicity than providing relief and compensation.
Speaking to reporters in Kakinada, Kannababu questioned the government’s response to the cyclone and criticised the absence of ministers in affected areas despite advance warnings. He also expressed concern over the government’s decision to ask farmers to upload photographs of crop damage through an app.
According to Kannababu, the Agriculture and Revenue departments should conduct field-level inspections and assess crop losses instead of placing the entire responsibility on farmers.
The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had not issued an immediate response to the allegations.
YSRCP Demands Timely Compensation for Cyclone-Hit Farmers
Kannababu demanded that the Andhra Pradesh government announce a clear timeline for distributing compensation to farmers affected by Cyclone Arnab. He also called for enhanced compensation for paddy farmers based on the relief norms revised by the previous YSRCP government in November 2023.
He said the NDA coalition government had estimated crop damage across 8.3 lakh acres, including 7.6 lakh acres of paddy cultivation. He questioned why paddy farmers were not receiving higher compensation despite the reported extent of crop losses.
Kannababu Highlights Previous YSRCP Government’s Farmer Support
The YSRCP leader said the previous government had used Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) to register crops, provided free crop insurance and facilitated insurance compensation ranging from Rs 23,000 to Rs 29,000 per acre in the region between 2019 and 2024.
He also claimed that input subsidies were provided before the next cropping season during the YSRCP government’s tenure.
Kannababu alleged that farmers were now facing uncertainty over crop insurance and input subsidies. He further claimed that the state government had failed to pay its share of insurance premiums, raising concerns about financial support for affected farmers.
Relief Demanded for Tenant Farmers, Fishermen and Aqua Farmers
Kannababu urged the state government to extend financial assistance beyond land-owning farmers and cover other groups affected by the cyclone.
He demanded compensation for tenant farmers who suffered crop losses, fishermen who lost their boats and fishing nets, and aqua farmers whose ponds were damaged or whose operations were disrupted by power outages.
He also called for medical camps in cyclone-affected areas to address health concerns among residents.
YSRCP Seeks Transparency in Cyclone Relief Distribution
The former minister demanded that the government publish lists of beneficiaries showing the relief and compensation distributed to affected families.
He said transparent procedures and proper field-level verification were necessary to ensure that assistance reached all eligible beneficiaries without delay.
Kannababu also sought the postponement of electoral processes in cyclone-affected areas of Kakinada until officials completed field inspections and addressed public objections.
He urged the Andhra Pradesh government to prioritise relief operations, assess crop damage promptly and provide fair compensation to every eligible family affected by Cyclone Arnab.
