Cyclone Montha crop loss: RSV urges Telangana Farmers to register names in damage list
HYDERABAD: Rythu Swarajya Vedika (RSV) urges farmers affected by severe crop loss from Cyclone Montha to register with Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) immediately if their names are missing from the enumeration list. The Telangana government has begun reviewing the crop damage assessment to address widespread concerns about omissions and inaccuracies in the initial survey.
Heavy rains and winds from Cyclone Montha in late October caused extensive damage to farmlands statewide. The government initially estimated damage to 4.48 lakh acres, but official figures released on November 11 reported losses in only 1.17 lakh acres. This significant discrepancy raised immediate concerns among farmers.
To address these irregularities, Rythu Swarajya Vedika held a roundtable meeting on November 12 and met with the Minister of Agriculture. The delegation submitted a list of issues with the enumeration process and recommended steps for a fairer assessment.
In response, the government will re-examine the crop loss data. Lists of farmers with officially recorded severe crop loss (over 33%) are now displayed at Gram Panchayat offices. Farmers who were omitted can file complaints, which will prompt new field verification.
Roundtable conference
RSV welcomed the government’s decision as a positive step and urged that this transparent process become standard for all future natural disasters.
Following this review, Rythu Swarajya Vedika has issued an advisory for farmers in affected districts. Farmers should check the enumeration lists at their village Gram Panchayat office. If a farmer with severe crop loss (over 33%) is not listed, they must inform the Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO) for reassessment. In villages without a displayed list, farmers should contact the AEO and request a new survey. Remote areas should also be included in the process.
Rythu Swarajya Vedika also noted that many remote hamlets (tandas) were missed in the initial survey. Farmers from these areas should register their claims. All damaged crops must be reported, including intercropped varieties such as maize or millets, which may have been overlooked in favor of paddy and cotton. For crops like cotton and paddy, if recovery was assumed but permanent damage is now evident, farmers should request a new assessment.
