ANANTAPUR: The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham (APRS), affiliated to the CPI(M), on Monday demanded the State Government to implement the 1997 `famine code' to Anantapur district to provide succour to people reeling under severe drought conditions for the last 10 years.

Speaking at a meeting on the drought conditions in the district, State secretary of APRS S. Malla Reddy said that people of the district were suffering severe drought conditions for the last 10 years and had suffered Rs. 1,500-crore crop loss in the last kharif season alone.

The Government had washed off its hands by announcing drought in all the 63 mandals. But, no measures have been taken as per the 1997 famine code, he alleged.

Nearly 200 farmers have committed suicide during the last eight months in the district and the State Government and the Ministers from the district are unmoved by the plight of people, he said.

Relief package

The Prime Minister's relief package of Rs. 9,650 crores, announced for 16 districts in the State, including Anantapur, is on paper for the last six months, he alleged.

The Government is also neglecting horticulture by not providing marketing and cold storage facilities, he alleged.

He also urged the Government to supply seed on subsidy, supply 14 essential commodities through fair price shops, crop loss compensation and provision of wage employment under the NREGS.

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