Jagan accuses government of neglecting cyclone-hit farmers

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition government of neglecting farmers affected by Cyclone Arnab and attempting to understate crop losses.

Addressing party leaders and district presidents through a video conference from the party’s central office at Tadepalli on Thursday, he questioned Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s reliance on reviews at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS).

“How can crop damage be assessed through CCTV camera footage?” he asked, alleging that the government was indulging in publicity instead of undertaking effective relief operations.

Mr. Jagan said preliminary information indicated severe damage to nearly 12 lakh acres, particularly in Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari and Anakapalli districts. Paddy, coconut and banana crops and aquaculture farms had suffered losses, he said, adding that farmers could lose around ₹40,000 an acre in paddy, ₹2 lakh in banana and ₹45 lakh in aquaculture.

He alleged that the government was issuing inconsistent crop damage estimates and failing to provide adequate relief. He also criticised the delay in restoring electricity and the absence of comprehensive field-level assessments.

Mr. Jagan said nearly ₹600 crore in input subsidy for losses caused by Cyclone Montha last year remained unpaid. He accused the government of weakening Rythu Bharosa Kendras and the e-crop system and failing to provide free crop insurance and zero-interest crop loans.

Under Annadata Sukhibhava, the government had promised ₹60,000 over three years but paid only ₹19,000, leaving ₹41,000 outstanding, he alleged. He also expressed concern over rice prices reaching ₹80 to ₹90 a kg and alleged that traders were operating as a syndicate.

Mr. Jagan urged party leaders and workers to visit affected villages, support farmers and ensure procurement of rain-soaked and discoloured paddy. He referred to reports of eight deaths and criticised the government’s claim that the situation was under control.

YSRCP leaders Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, M.V.S. Nagireddy, Lella Appireddy, Y.V. Subba Reddy and Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, among others, participated in the video conference.