Drought-Hit Tribal Farmers Seek Loan-Waiver, Relief
The farmers said they had cultivated paddy, korra (millets) and sugarcane on nearly 180 acres this season: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: Around 70 tribal families from LosingI revenue village under Arla Panchayat in Rolugunta mandal of Anakapalle district staged a protest on Thursday over severe crop losses and alleged inadequate government support. Holding leaves and blades of grass in their mouths, they symbolised their struggle for survival amid drought.
The farmers said they had cultivated paddy, korra (millets) and sugarcane on nearly 180 acres this season, but prolonged dry conditions and El Niño had damaged their crops.
They demanded the release of land survey reports, agricultural loan waivers, ₹30,000 per acre compensation and quality seeds for the next season. They also urged the government to send a special team to assess crop losses and recommend immediate relief.
“Our crops have dried up completely. We have no source of income and are struggling even for daily survival,” they said.
The protesters sought 200 days of work annually at ₹600 a day under the V-B G RAM G. They also demanded lower rice prices and immediate assistance for drought-hit families.
CPM district executive member K. Govinda Rao supported their demands and urged the government to act without delay.
Kilo Narasaiah led the protest. The villagers warned of intensifying their agitation if their demands were not addressed promptly.
