Andhra suffered Rs 1,710 cr losses to crops in cyclone Nilam

Standing agriculture crops, mainly paddy and cotton, were the worst hit in 7.72 lakh hectares causing a monetary loss of Rs 1,608 crore while horticulture crops in 52,000 hectares suffered damage resulting in a loss of Rs 102 crore, according to state Finance Minister Aanam Ramanarayana Reddy.

Briefing reporters at the end of a review meeting here this afternoon, the finance minister said the figure was a preliminary estimate based on inputs received from different districts so far.

"Nilam left its impact in 19 districts of the state. Its devastation was the most in five districts. The state government is expected to receive detailed final reports on the extent of losses in the next few days," he said.

The minister said the government was committed to increasing input subsidy to cyclone-hit farmers from the current Rs 4,500 per hectare. "The Chief Minister will take a final decision in this regard," he said.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who attended the southern Chief Ministers' conference in Bengaluru yesterday, requested Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram to release funds early towards relief in the Nilam cyclone-hit areas.

He also requested the central government to extend interest subvention scheme to rescheduled crop loans, including for licensed cultivators.

He sought reduction of premium rates under the National Agricultural Insurance Schemes, a press release from the Chief Minister's Office said.