A farmer in Kamareddy district, Telangana, has reportedly set fire to his paddy crop following persistent pest attacks and alleged power shortages. Venkat Reddy, a resident of Faridpet village in Palvancha mandal, took this drastic step after multiple pesticide applications failed to alleviate the infestation. Reddy, who cultivates five acres of land and has leased an additional five acres, expressed his frustrations regarding the challenges posed by irregular electricity supply.

Reddy stated that the government’s implementation of power cuts has exacerbated the situation, leading to an increase in weeds and pests in his fields. “We sprayed pesticides three to four times, but the problem did not subside,” he explained. He initially contemplated more extreme measures but was dissuaded by neighbouring farmers, prompting him to uproot the affected plants for further evaluation.

In his appeal for assistance, Reddy noted that he is awaiting government support for small and tenant farmers who are grappling with rising cultivation costs. He highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by farmers, particularly the financial burden of repeatedly applying pesticides. Reddy alleged that a lack of awareness and information has further complicated their challenges.

Chief Minister’s Response to Farmers’ Concerns

The incident has drawn attention to the broader issues faced by farmers in Telangana, particularly concerning electricity supply, crop protection, and increasing input costs. In response, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed the Energy Department to ensure a consistent power supply for agricultural needs, emphasising that the next 20 days are critical for crops due to insufficient rainfall.

Reddy acknowledged his accountability to the public, stating that the situation has not improved despite his repeated directives for uninterrupted power supply. He expressed his determination to address any negligence that contributes to the hardships faced by farmers. “I will not tolerate actions that cause hardship to the public,” he asserted.

In addition to addressing power supply issues, the Chief Minister has directed various departments to formulate contingency plans to mitigate the potential impacts of El Niño. He has also called for measures to ensure adequate supplies of drinking water and cattle fodder, along with the deployment of officers to monitor conditions in each mandal.

Farmers Call for Urgent Assistance

Farmers in the region have voiced their concerns, urging authorities to tackle local electricity issues and crop protection challenges while providing timely support to those suffering losses. Reddy’s situation has resonated with many in the agricultural community, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to the ongoing difficulties faced by farmers.

As the agricultural sector grapples with these pressing issues, farmers are calling for increased awareness and information dissemination to help them manage pest infestations more effectively. Reddy’s experience underscores the broader struggles within the farming community, where many are reportedly suffering in silence without adequate support.

The plight of farmers like Venkat Reddy has sparked discussions about the necessity for systemic changes to improve agricultural resilience. With rising input costs and challenges in pest management, the agricultural community in Telangana continues to seek assistance and solutions from the government to ensure their livelihoods are protected.

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