HYDERABAD: Safeguarding standing crops is the state government’s top priority, said Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. He emphasized that all concerned departments must work in close coordination to prevent farmers from suffering losses due to water scarcity or power supply disruptions.

The minister directed officials to proactively address any challenges faced by farmers during the crucial final phase of the rabi crop season. He pointed out that misinformation was being spread regarding irrigation water availability and urged officials to counter such false propaganda by personally visiting affected areas and clarifying the real situation to the public.

On Monday evening, Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Agriculture Secretary Raghunandan Rao, and TSSPDCL CMD Musharraf, held a video conference with District Collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), agriculture officials, and electricity department officers across the state.

During the meeting, the minister emphasized that rabi crops would be ready for harvest within the next 15 days. He instructed district officials to work in close coordination, conduct regular field visits, and provide necessary support to farmers. Given the importance of irrigation water at this stage, he directed the irrigation department to ensure that water supply reaches even the last stretches of agricultural land.

Regarding the power supply situation, Uttam Kumar Reddy reassured that there had been no disruptions so far. However, he urged officials to maintain constant coordination with the electricity department to ensure uninterrupted supply, particularly for irrigation needs.

Certain groups spreading misinformation on crop damage: Tummala

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao dismissed rumors about large-scale crop damage, stating that certain groups were politically exploiting the situation by spreading misinformation. He clarified that natural occurrences, such as borewells drying up or motor failures, should not be misinterpreted as systemic failures. He urged officials to be vigilant, intervene in affected areas, and take necessary measures to prevent further inconvenience to farmers.

Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari stated that the government was actively monitoring the rabi crop situation and keeping officials on high alert through continuous video conferences. She informed that, as part of the latest measures, 1.5 TMC of water had been released from Annapurna Sagar to Ranganayaka Sagar to address irrigation needs. Additionally, repairs to pump houses were being carried out in coordination with the irrigation department to enhance efficiency.

Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated the Congress government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers do not face difficulties during this critical harvest period. He assured that all necessary steps were being taken to provide seamless irrigation and power supply support.