Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu Addresses Cyclone Impact on Paddy Production

Kakinada — Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has announced a potential decline in paddy production in Konaseema district due to the adverse effects of Cyclone Montha. While addressing the District Review Committee in Amalapuram on Saturday, he indicated that the anticipated yield for the current Kharif season, originally projected at 4.3 lakh tonnes, may decrease to 3.57 lakh tonnes.

Atchannaidu confirmed that a central team will soon visit the cyclone-affected regions to assess the damage and provide necessary support. His remarks come as farmers in the area brace for the impact of this natural disaster on their livelihoods.

In a subsequent event, the minister inaugurated the centenary building of the Smt. Vattikuti Seshamma primary agricultural cooperative credit society in Kurmapuram village, located in the Rayavaram mandal. The building, constructed at a cost of ₹65 lakh using rural development funds, serves as a testament to the state government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative system that supports farmers.

Atchannaidu emphasized that despite ongoing financial challenges faced by the state, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is dedicated to implementing the “Super Six” schemes aimed at uplifting underprivileged communities. The initiatives are designed to enhance the welfare of farmers and improve agricultural productivity, which is crucial in the wake of recent climatic adversities.

The minister’s announcements were made in the presence of several dignitaries, including Mandapeta MLA Vegulla Jogeswara Rao, district cooperative officer Radhakrishna, and local leader Vattikuti Veeranna Chowdary. Their collective involvement highlights the local government’s effort to foster collaboration among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

The initiatives and responses to the cyclone’s impact underline the ongoing commitment of the government to safeguard the interests of farmers while enhancing the cooperative framework essential for rural empowerment.