Andhra Pradesh government committed to wipe out drought in Rayalaseema

Udegolam (Anantapur): Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has assured that power tariff would be reduced in the coming days because of successive reforms. “There will be no hike in power tariff,” he said. He further stated that the government was committed to wipe out drought conditions by providing necessary irrigation facilities to turn into a major horticulture hub for the state.

In view of the timely arrival of monsoon in the state, in particular in Rayalaseema region, Mr Naidu launched ‘Yeruvaka Pournima’ at 74 Udegolam village in Rayadurgam mandal in the district on Friday. Accompanied by ministers Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, Kaluva Srinivasulu and Paritala Sunitha, the Chief Minister began cultivation practices after offering poojas in the fields of farmer B. Shankar.

Accompanied by Information and Public Relations minister Kalava Srinivasulu, Mr Naidu also drove a tractor to plough the field and offered ganga pooja at a farm pond filled with rainy water during the launch of Yeruvaka Pournima. Wearing a dhoti, Mr Naidu ploughed fields using bullocks. He said the state government was taking all necessary measures to uplift the farmers even though the financial position of the government is very poor.

Recalling his efforts to waiver crop loans for farmers in the state, Mr Naidu said he dared to waiver off Rs 24,000-crore loans of farmers as assured during his padayatra. “We are confident to develop the district as number one in the state with the help of providing necessary irrigation facilities as the horticulture produces from fertile lands of Anantapur would attract national and international markets,” he opined and added the rain gun concept would be continued in advance this year. Responding to plea by minister K. Srinivasulu, the Chief Minister announced that the foundation stone would be laid for BT project and Peruru canal in August. He assured to complete the proposed canal towards BT project in Rayadurgam constituency.