Bapatla , Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday visited cyclone-hit villages in Bapatla district and inspected agricultural fields inundated by severe cyclonic storm Murasu.
At Jillellamudi, he inspected submerged paddy fields and interacted with farmers to assess the extent of crop damage and the investments they had made in cultivation, a press release said.
They recalled the government’s support in supplying water during drought conditions. The state government has released ₹ 37 crore to the affected districts for immediate relief, according to a press release.
Farmers told him that their crops had been damaged just before harvest. Naidu asked the farmers whether they had enrolled under the crop insurance scheme and said insurance coverage and input subsidies could provide relief in the event of natural calamities. He said awareness about crop insurance would also be increased among farmers. Naidu said planning water releases ahead of the cropping season could help minimise crop losses during cyclones, it said.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, on Tuesday, claiming eight lives, officials said.
