The Hindu Business Line : AP Govt puts crop loss due to drought at Rs 5,227 cr

THE Andhra Pradesh Government has estimated that the total loss in the agricultural sector was about Rs 5,227 crore this year following the failure of both southwest and northeast monsoon and consequent crop damage.

The State Information Minister, Mr S. Chandra Mohan Reddy, briefing newspersons here after the Cabinet meeting has said that about 17.84 lakh hectares under the kharif crop had suffered damage resulting in huge loss to the farm sector.

As against the normal area of about 81.80 lakh ha during the kharif season, only 64.13 lakh ha (minus 21.60 l ha) was sown and during the rabi season with the deviation estimated at about 26 per cent.

As against 34.65 lakh ha under normal cultivation, only 25.67 lakh ha was cultivated. This had resulted in a huge loss to the agriculture sector.

The Central Government has been requested by the State to release an assistance of Rs 1,860 crore and provide 25 lakh tonnes of rice towards the food-for-work programme.

The Centre had, thus far, released only 3 lakh tonnes and fresh proposals had been sent to the Centre for additional assistance, Mr Reddy said.

The Information Minister said the Government had released Rs 114 crore towards seed and input subsidy and over 103 agricultural market committees had been provided with feedstock for distribution.

The Government is working out ways to provide employment to people affected by the crop loss under the food-for-work programme in all the 870 mandals thus far declared drought hit.

The State Cabinet has also approved a budget of Rs 245 crore for the 18th round of Janmabhoomi programmed for January 2 -11 where the focus will be on the weaker sections of society. This will also cover about 34 lakh beneficiaries in the old age pension scheme.

In yet another important decision, the Government has planned to rope in the public sector giant HPCL to support the mid-day meal scheme by establishing rasoi ghar or community kitchens which are popular in the northern part of the country.

About Rs 250 crore has been earmarked for the mid-day meal scheme, he said.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail
Comment on this article to BLFeedback@thehindu.co.in

Stories in this Section
Rubber firm on sparse arrivals

Sugar trade must take its own course

Kelkar panel dilutes proposals for food products — Excise duty exemption on tea, coffee, spices, milk to continue

Cashew market seen in balance

Pepper prices stabilise on renewed buying

Seminar on food processing in Madurai

AP Govt puts crop loss due to drought at Rs 5,227 cr