Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur   

CPI for State intervention on drought situation

Staff Reporter

Ryots urge team to help them in securing Government help

ANANTAPUR: A team of CPI and its frontal organisations visited several villages in Rapthadu and Bukkaraya Samudram mandals in the district on Thursday to study the severity of the drought conditions.

Farmers at several places told the team that the kharif crop this year has failed. The seed sown had germinated sparsely and even such crop was in the process of withering due to the dry spell continuing for the past two months.

There was no chance of even getting the investment back and the growth of crop was also stunted due to lack of moisture in the soil - making it not even useful as fodder. The ryots urged the CPI, APRS, All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and APVKS leaders to help them get some assistance from the Government.

`Fight for demands'

Interacting with the farmers at Maruru, Siddarampuram, Danduvaripalli and Rekulakunta villages, AIKS leader T.V. Chowdary said that Anantapur had become synonymous with drought.

He asked the farmers and farm workers not to lose heart and fight for a solution to their demands.

He felt that only waiver of crop loans could put an end to suicides.

The Government should come out with a special package for the district and demanded compensation of Rs. 2,000 per acre to all farmers, supply of 25 kg rice free to every poor family and wage work to all under NREGS throughout the year.

Recommendations

He also urged the Government to implement the Jayati Ghosh and Swaminathan committee recommendations.

Besides, the Government should find permanent solution to drought as conditions were getting worse every year.

Three teams visiting the State will meet Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Monday.

State president of Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham K. Ramkrishna said the drought was the worst during the last 30 years and demanded filling of tanks under PABR with HLC water.

State general secretary of Andhra Pradesh Vyavasaya Karmika Sangham J. Wilson suggested extension of mid-day meal scheme to destitutes and aged.

District secretary of CPI M.V. Ramana, APRS leaders Ravindranath and Katamaiah and others also interacted with farmers.

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