Agriculture

In the fertile deltas of Andhra Pradesh, where the Godavari and Krishna rivers nourish the soil that feeds millions, a quiet crisis unfolds. It is the story of tenant farmers (kaulu raitulu in Telugu) who till the land with their sweat but reap only debt and despair. Take, for instance, the tale of a modest farmer from I Polavaram village in the Konaseema district, whose daily grind mirrors the plight of countless others across the state. For two acres leased on tenancy, he harvests 140 bags of paddy across two seasons — 60 in the first, 80 in the second, each bag weighing 75 kg.

Finance minister Payyavula Keshav emphasised that the Polavaram project is not limited to one district but is a blessing for Rayalaseema, North Andhra, and farmers across the state. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Keshav reiterated that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had assured that the government would stand by families displaced due to the project. Keshav explained, “Polavaram is not just a project for one district; it is a boon for Rayalaseema, North Andhra, and the farmers across the state. Before the Pattiseema project, water disputes were common in Rayalaseema. When the Tungabhadra High-Level Canal received insufficient water, farmers in Anantapur would protest, demanding two TMC of water from Kurnool, which led to tensions. After Pattiseema’s completion, protests reduced significantly, and discussions about droughts became rare in the Legislative Assembly. A small project has brought significant changes to Rayalaseema.”

The farmers in East Godavari district celebrated Eruvaka on Thursday. On this joyous occasion, prominent farmers were honoured. They worshiped oxen and made them plough the field. During the rainy season, Eruvaka is celebrated with a great gaiety and fervour in the district. All farmers in the various villages celebrated the festival on a grand scale. The festival indicates their mode of joy, sign of success and prosperity. In Venkareddayyapet village of Yetapaka mandal in Chiturun division of East Agency, the farming families participated in puja offered to Lord Ganesh to bless and bring prosperity for successful cultivation.

The tribal farmers have expressed their interest in raising a rubber plantation in an area of over 700 acres in Maredumilli, Rampachodavaram, and Y. Ramavaram mandals in Polavaram district.

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday announced that ₹5 lakh financial package would be given to the farmers who parted with their lands for the Polavaram irrigation project prior to the enactment of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.