Hyderabad: Telangana Jagruthi president K. Kavitha demanded ₹50,000 per acre compensation for farmers hit by Cyclone Michaung and criticised the state government for delaying paddy procurement.
Farmers forced to store drenched paddy for weeks
Kavitha visited the paddy procurement centre at Maktapalli village in Thimmapur mandal on her first day in Karimnagar. She said farmers suffered heavy crop losses due to the cyclone and continuing rains, yet the state failed to act promptly.
“Farmers kept their harvest in the open for nearly a month. Last night’s rain drenched all the paddy. This is heartbreaking,” she said while standing amid soaked grain heaps.
She blamed the district administration for failing to start procurement and demanded an explanation from the Collector. “Why are centres still shut? Farmers prefer direct procurement by millers. The current IKP system only causes delays and adds costs,” she said.
Moisture norms and exclusions under fire
Kavitha said millers were rejecting paddy with over 17% moisture — an unrealistic condition in this weather, she argued. She urged the state to instruct millers to accept even germinated or fungus-affected grain.
Moreover, she condemned the exclusion of tenant farmers lacking land documents. “That’s unacceptable. These farmers grow the crops and still face discrimination,” she said.
She reminded the state that it won power on the strength of farmer promises. “Now it’s backing off when farmers need support most,” she added.
Kavitha terms ₹10,000 aid grossly insufficient
Reacting to the reported relief amount, Kavitha said, “What will ₹10,000 achieve when the crop is totally gone?” She insisted that ₹50,000 per acre compensation was the only just figure under the current losses.
Furthermore, she criticised officials for failing to assess the damage. “Why hasn’t a single crop loss survey begun? The government must send teams to the fields immediately,” she said.
She also highlighted the shortage of farm labour caused by elections in Bihar, which forced farmers to pay higher wages. At the same time, she noted, the promised bonus for paddy had not been released.
Urges immediate action and direct procurement
“Farmers are taking blows from all sides damaged crops, rising costs, and administrative silence. The government must act with empathy,” Kavitha said.
She called for all procurement centres to be opened without delay. In addition, she demanded that millers be allowed to purchase grain directly. “This is no time for red tape. The crisis is real and growing,” she said.