Farmers take to streets across Telangana voicing concern over crop losses

Face dire situation due to drought conditions, water scarcity, irregular electricity supply; demand compensation

Hyderabad: Farmers in various districts across the State on Thursday took to the streets, voicing concern over crop losses. They demanded compensation from the government. They are facing a dire situation due to the devastating effects of drought conditions, water scarcity and irregular electricity supply.

In Yadadri Bhongir district, dairy farmers have been protesting for the last four months due to non-payment of dues. Despite their repeated requests, the payments have not been made. Farmers from Mallapuram village staged a protest at the milk collection centre, demanding dues to about 30 farmers to be cleared immediately. The delay in payments has made it difficult for them to purchase fodder for their cattle, leaving them in a precarious situation, the protesting farmers resented.

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In Thungathurthy, farmers demanded Rs 25,000 compensation per acre for crops that withered away due to lack of water. Led by the BRS, farmers from Annaram village staged a protest. Munugode Mandal Agriculture Officer Padmaja advised farmers to choose crops based on water availability and suggested alternative crops like pulses, maize, and vegetables. She also encouraged the cultivation of oil palm with government subsidies as a viable option.

In Jangaon district, farmers demanded Rs.50,000 compensation per acre for dried-up paddy and maize crops. Under the aegis of the CPI-M, a protest was held in front of the Jangaon district collectorate. CPI-M State committee member MD Abbas criticized the State government’s lack of foresight and administrative experience, leading to crop failures. He demanded release of water for the withering crops before Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s visit to the district scheduled tentatively on March 16.

In Jogulamba Gadwal district, Collector Santosh, along with agricultural officials, inspected the dried-up crop fields in KT Doddi mandal. The visit aimed to assess the extent of the damage and address the farmers’ concerns.