Hyderabad, Mar 13 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar strongly criticised the Telangana state government for its negligence in addressing the ongoing crop crisis, which has resulted in extensive damage to agricultural produce.
In a statement issued in Hyderabad on Thursday, the Union Minister alleged that despite paddy being sown on 56 lakh acres and maize on 7 lakh acres across the state, approximately 10 lakh acres of crops have dried up due to the government's failure to release water at the right time.
He specifically mentioned that irrigated crops in ayacut areas were severely affected, yet no substantial measures have been taken by the administration to mitigate the damage.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar pointed out that this year's abundant rainfall had ensured full reservoirs and ponds. As a result, paddy production during the rainy season reached a record yield of over 160 lakh metric tons.
Consequently, paddy and maize cultivation increased in the Yasangi season, along with other crops such as sorghum, pulses, and oilseeds. However, the state government neither opposed the large-scale Yasangi crop planting nor devised an effective alternative crop plan.
The Union Minister criticised the Telangana government for failing to manage water resources efficiently despite the availability of over 190 TMC of water in major reservoirs like Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Sriram Sagar, Yellampally, LMD, and Singur. He claimed that the government’s failure to release this water in a timely manner has led to large-scale crop failure.
"Farmers who invested more than Rs 30,000 per acre now face severe losses as their crops wither just weeks before harvest," Bandi Sanjay Kumar said. He condemned the government for ignoring farmers' agitations and failing to respond to their pleas. He further criticised the agriculture department for not acknowledging the farmers' plight, stating that many have been forced to graze cattle in dried fields or burn their ruined crops.
The Minister accused the state government of negligence, emphasising that farmers are already burdened by unresolved financial issues, including pending insurance payouts, incomplete loan waivers, and a lack of compensation for past crop losses. He challenged the Congress government, which claims to prioritise farmers' welfare, to answer for its inaction.
"It is shameful that the Congress government has failed to address farmers' problems in the Assembly," he remarked. He urged the government to discuss the crisis immediately in the Assembly and announce necessary support for farmers.
On behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Bandi Sanjay Kumar demanded that the Telangana government release water from the state's reservoirs without delay to prevent further agricultural damage.
UNI VV ARN