Jagan raises pitch for compensation to farmers hit by cyclones

YSR Congress Party today asked Andhra Pradesh government to immediately pay compensation to farmers affected by cyclones that have left a trail of destruction in the coastal districts recently.
"We demand the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 per acre to farmers who lost their crop due to cyclones and also waive loans to all the affected farmers.
"Fresh loans should be sanctioned to farmers and an input subsidy of 75% should be given to enable them to recover from the distress as they were bearing the brunt of two cyclones which came in quick succession while a third one is brewing," a YSRCP release quoted party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy as saying in East Godavari district during a visit to the cyclone-hit areas.

Hitting out at officials and state government for their "indifferent" attitude towards farmers affected by cyclones 'Phailin' and 'Helen', Jagan said the two cyclones have ravaged crops and hit farmers very hard.
"It is very pathetic to note that the compensation and relief of 'Phailin' storm was not paid yet. No officials have come to assess the present loss. The state machinery has not given rice, kerosene and other essential commodities which are mandatory," Jagan said.
He said the state government ignored the plight of farmers who have put in Rs 20,000 per acre and whose crop got damaged in the calamity.

"The government should wake up from its slumber at least now and farmers should be adequately compensated," the YSRCP president said.