Crop-Loss Survey Begins In 365 Drought-Hit Mandals

Hyderabad: The state government has launched a detailed crop-loss assessment in 365 drought-affected mandals, setting November 10 as the deadline for the agriculture department to complete the field survey and submit its report.

The government is likely to provide compensation of ₹10,000 per acre to farmers who suffered crop losses due to the El Niño-related rainfall deficit.

Official sources said the assessment report would be placed before the next Cabinet meeting for discussion and approval of a drought relief package for farmers.

The report would also be sent to the Centre, with the State government seeking additional financial assistance to address the impact of the drought.

The assessment will cover only kharif crops registered in the digital crop survey conducted during July and August this year.

Crops not included in the digital survey will not be considered for drought compensation, sources said.

The agriculture department has directed district, division and mandal-level officers to inspect fields with field staff and assess the extent of crop damage.

Mandal-level officers have been instructed to visit at least 50 per cent of drought-affected areas, division-level officers 25 per cent and district-level officers five per cent.

Details of the assessment must also be displayed at the respective gram panchayat offices to ensure transparency.

Of the 365 drought-hit mandals declared by the state government, 111 have been classified as severely drought-affected and 254 as moderately drought-affected.

Under existing norms, farmers are eligible for financial assistance if crop losses are 33 per cent or more.

The prescribed compensation is ₹8,500 per hectare (2.5 acres) for crops in rain-fed areas, ₹17,000 per hectare for crops in assured irrigated areas and ₹22,500 per hectare for perennial crops.

However, the state government is considering higher assistance of ₹10,000 per acre in view of the severity of the drought.

According to the state government’s preliminary drought assessment, the total cultivated area has fallen from 139.28 lakh acres to 126.06 lakh acres, a reduction of 13.22 lakh acres.

Paddy cultivation has also declined significantly, from 69.19 lakh acres to 57.04 lakh acres.

The state has proposed ₹1,986.89 crore in assistance for farmers and is seeking additional support to address the wider impact of the drought on agriculture and the rural economy.