Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu directed officials to immediately assess crop losses, repair damaged roads and conserve rainwater for future irrigation and drinking water needs.
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has directed officials to immediately assess crop losses caused by heavy rains and strong winds associated with the severe weather system affecting the state.
He also instructed authorities to collect details of damage to roads and other infrastructure and undertake urgent restoration works on a war footing in the affected areas.
The minister held a special teleconference with senior officials of the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries departments to review the impact of the rains and coordinate immediate relief and restoration measures.
He also reviewed the situation through teleconferences with the Collectors of Parvathipuram Manyam, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Srikakulam districts, directing them to ensure that farmers and residents in affected areas receive timely assistance.
Atchannaidu ordered field-level surveys to begin immediately to assess damage to agricultural and horticultural crops.
Officials were instructed to complete the enumeration of crop losses at the earliest and provide accurate details of the affected areas.
He directed field officials to visit waterlogged agricultural fields and assess the condition of crops.
Where standing water is damaging crops, authorities should facilitate its removal and provide farmers with technical guidance to minimise further losses caused by excess moisture, he said.
The minister also called for extensive awareness programmes at the field level on crop-protection measures that farmers should adopt following heavy rainfall.
The Collectors were instructed to immediately document damage to roads and other infrastructure caused by rainfall and strong winds.
Atchannaidu directed officials to identify key roads where damage has disrupted public movement and accord priority to emergency repairs.
District administrations should continuously monitor conditions in affected areas and speed up relief and restoration measures wherever required, he said.
He emphasised coordination among different departments and the district administration to prevent further inconvenience to the public.
The minister also stressed the need to conserve the water received through the current rainfall.
With the state facing concerns related to dry conditions associated with El Niño, Atchannaidu said the available rainwater should be stored and used efficiently.
Collectors were asked to prepare detailed plans to store water in tanks, reservoirs and other water bodies for future irrigation and drinking-water requirements.
At the same time, water that is harmful to standing crops because of prolonged stagnation should be removed.
The minister called for special measures to conserve rainwater in locations where conditions are suitable and urged officials to create awareness among farmers about efficient water-use practices.
Atchannaidu directed the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries departments to work in close coordination and respond promptly to requirements in rain-affected areas.
Providing field-level guidance to farmers, ensuring assistance reaches affected residents and restoring damaged infrastructure should receive the highest priority, he said.
The minister also instructed officials to maintain continuous monitoring of the situation and take additional relief and restoration measures based on local requirements.
The directions come as several parts of Andhra Pradesh continue to deal with the effects of heavy rainfall and strong winds, with the government focusing on both immediate damage control and conservation of the water generated by the rains.
