KCR sanctions Rs 228 crore for crop loss; funds to be released in an hour

HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao sanctioned Rs 228 crores in aid for crops damaged by hailstorms during the state's recent heavy rains on Thursday.

The Chief Minister, who is on a one-day statewide visit to inspect crop damage, told the media in Khammam on Thursday that 2.28 lakh acres in Telangana had been damaged by unanticipated rainfall.

While announcing a compensation of Rs 10,000 per acre, the Chief Minister said, "Ours is a farmer-friendly government, and we will undoubtedly support our farmers." He said that the funds for the compensation of Rs. 10,000 to the farmers would be released within an hour.

"Despite the fact that 2.28 lakh acres in Telangana have been destroyed by unexpected rainfall, he claims that the Central Government has turned a deaf ear to our cries for help. As a mark of protest, we will not send any report to the Central Government to assess crop loss. The state government plans to spend Rs.228 crore to help the farmers and the funds will be released in an hour.

Chief Minister KCR said that, We will also help the tenant farmers and rythu bandhu laws will be eased to include tenant farmers, but only in areas where crops were lost owing to the recent hailstorm. Also, rules would be framed to compensate the tenant farmers.

The Chief Minister went to the crop fields, spoke with the farmers, and enquired about crop loss from farmers and officials. He also assured the farmers that they would receive all necessary assistance.

After inspecting fields damaged by hail from unexpected rains and winding up a press conference in Khammam, the Chief Minister traveled to Mahabubabad district. KCR would also visit Warangal and Karimnagar to meet with distressed farmers and offer aid in their support.