By A massive agricultural setback has struck the Prakasam district as heavy rains and flooding caused extensive crop damage across several mandals. District Collector Dr. Dinesh Kumar announced that nearly 12,570 hectares of cultivated land have been devastated, affecting thousands of farmers who were depending on the Rabi and Kharif seasons for their livelihood. The administration has swung into action, assessing the losses and initiating relief measures to support the distressed farming community.
Extent of the Damage
According to the Collector’s report, the damage was caused mainly by continuous rainfall over the past two weeks, which led to overflowing streams, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and partial submergence of fields.
The worst-affected crops include:
- Paddy, which was in its maturing stage
- Chilli and tobacco, key commercial crops of Prakasam
- Pulses and maize, grown in upland regions
Several villages in Chimakurthy, Addanki, Ongole, and Vetapalem mandals reported complete loss of standing crops. Officials noted that in many areas, the soil remains too saturated to replant, compounding the crisis for small and marginal farmers.
Impact on Farmers
The disaster has deeply affected the economic stability of farming households. Many farmers had invested heavily in seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities, often relying on loans.
With the crops washed away, the expected returns have vanished, leaving them anxious about repaying debts and preparing for the next season.
One farmer from Addanki mandal said,
The agricultural community has urged the government to speed up compensation and provide input subsidies to help them resume cultivation.
Collector’s Inspection and Response
District Collector Dr. Dinesh Kumar, accompanied by revenue and agriculture department officials, conducted field inspections to assess the extent of the loss. He stated that preliminary reports suggest 12,570 hectares of crop area have been affected, and detailed enumeration is being carried out using drone mapping and field-level surveys.
The Collector assured that the government would extend full support to the affected farmers.
“We have instructed all mandal-level officers to submit crop loss data within 48 hours. Once the data is verified, compensation will be distributed as per government norms,” he said.
Relief and Compensation Plans
The district administration has already begun the process of:
- Enumerating damaged fields through digital surveys
- Deploying agriculture officers to document crop types and stages of loss
- Recommending relief measures under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
The Collector said that temporary input subsidies will be granted for farmers whose crop loss exceeds 33%, and additional financial aid will be sought from the State and Central governments.
The Agriculture Department has also been instructed to supply high-quality seeds at subsidized rates for re-sowing and to provide counseling sessions on crop recovery techniques once the fields dry.
Government Support and Political Reactions
The issue has drawn attention from local legislators and farmer associations.
Opposition leaders have demanded immediate disbursal of relief funds, while ruling party representatives assured that the Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation.
A delegation from the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham (Farmers’ Association) submitted a memorandum seeking:
- A minimum compensation of ₹15,000 per acre for crop loss
- Waiver of agricultural loans for severely affected farmers
- Free supply of fertilizers and seeds for the next crop cycle
The state government, in turn, has directed the district administration to submit a comprehensive report within a week to release emergency relief packages.
Challenges in Recovery
Experts from the Agricultural University at Lam Farm have warned that the recovery process will be difficult due to prolonged soil moisture and nutrient depletion. They suggested soil rejuvenation programs, such as applying organic manure and gypsum to restore fertility before the next planting.
In addition, continuous rainfall has damaged rural roads and irrigation channels, hampering transportation of inputs and harvested produce. The Rural Development Department has been asked to prioritize repairs to ensure access to the fields and nearby markets.
Long-Term Measures Proposed
To avoid future crop losses, the Collector emphasized the need for improved drainage systems, scientific water management, and early warning systems for farmers.
Plans are being considered for:
- Constructing check dams and rainwater harvesting structures
- Promoting climate-resilient crop varieties
- Introducing crop insurance awareness drives to enhance coverage under the PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) scheme
The administration is also exploring digital monitoring tools to detect weather anomalies and send timely alerts to farmers through mobile applications.
Conclusion
The extensive crop damage in Prakasam district serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of agriculture to climate-induced disasters. With 12,570 hectares of farmland ruined, the livelihoods of thousands hang in balance. However, the swift action taken by the district administration and the assurance of government support offer a glimmer of hope.
As the district rebuilds, experts stress the importance of adopting sustainable and climate-smart farming practices to ensure that the fields of Prakasam can recover stronger and more resilient than before.
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