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CPM seeks immediate relief to cyclone-hit farmers
In Short
A CPM delegation submits a representation to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team seeking immediate compensation and crop loan waivers for Cyclone Arnab damage in AP.
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CPM seeks immediate relief to cyclone-hit farmers
Vijayawada: A CPM delegation on Wednesday submitted a representation to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) visiting Andhra Pradesh, urging the Centre to provide immediate relief and compensation to farmers and other sections affected by Cyclone Arnab.
The representation was submitted by CPM state secretary V Srinivasa Rao, central committee member D Ramadevi and Rajya Sabha member V Sivadasan. They said heavy rains and strong winds on October 26, 27 and 28 had caused extensive damage in several coastal districts, including West Godavari, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, Krishna, Guntur and Bapatla.
The party said paddy, maize, banana, coconut, papaya, chilli, cotton and vegetable crops had suffered severe damage due to inundation and strong winds. Agricultural fields were covered with sand and silt, while bunds, borewells, roads, electricity infrastructure and houses were also damaged. Farmers who had borrowed heavily for cultivation were facing severe financial distress. Fishermen had lost boats and nets, while livestock owners, handloom workers and artisans had suffered livelihood losses.
The CPM demanded that crop losses be assessed within 48 hours by a joint team of agriculture, horticulture and revenue officials and farmers’ representatives. It urged the authorities to conduct field-level surveys, display assessment lists at village secretariats and address farmers’ objections to ensure that no affected cultivator was excluded.
The delegation sought compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre for paddy and Rs.1 lakh per acre for horticultural crops, besides Rs 20,000 for each damaged coconut tree. It also demanded identification and compensation of tenant farmers, irrespective of their access to crop loans or government incentives.
The party called for compensation within 15 days, immediate release of 25% interim crop-insurance payments, crop-loan waivers, fresh loans and interest-free rescheduling of existing loans. It also sought subsidised seeds and fertilisers, and compensation for damaged farm machinery and livestock. The CPM sought Rs.10,000 per family for agricultural workers, SCs, STs and artisans, and Rs.50,000 for each affected fishing family. It appealed to the Central team to recommend these measures to the Union government.
