Raghavulu demands relief for the ryots

Communist Party of India (Marxist) Politburo member BV Raghavulu along with party leaders interacted with distressed farmers at their paddy fields in drought-hit Charlapally village of Nalgonda district on Thursday. | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL

HYDERABAD

CPI (M) Politburo member BV Raghavulu demanded immediate relief for farmers who have suffered heavy crop losses due to drought caused by the El Nino effect. He urged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and all Cabinet Ministers to visit the affected areas and assess the ground reality.

After inspecting drought-hit paddy and cotton fields in Cherlapalli village of Nalgonda district on Thursday, Mr. Raghavulu said farmers were facing severe hardship as the crop dried up after considerable investment. He noted that rice paddies were particularly affected, with some crops completely withering and producing little or no grain, leaving farmers with no return on their investment.

He also expressed concern over the state of the cotton crop, saying that although the fields looked green, moisture stress had seriously affected growth and the cotton bolls were drying up and falling off. If the rains do not arrive within a week, more losses are likely, he warned.

Mr. Raghavulu said discussions in Cabinet meetings alone would not reveal the extent of the crisis and urged ministers to conduct field visits. He pointed out that hundreds of mandals were reportedly facing drought and urged the government to announce immediate relief measures and compensation for the affected farmers.

The CPI(M) leader also called for an all-party meeting to press the Center for drought relief funds and sought urgent measures to protect farmers from further economic hardship. He described the situation as an emergency requiring immediate government intervention.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 21:39 IST