Kodenchery, Oct 7 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi visited a dairy farm in Kodenchery, Kerala, on Tuesday, interacting with local dairy farmers to gain insights into the difficulties facing the industry.

During her visit, she met a cow whimsically named “Alia Bhatt,” leading her to humorously apologize to the Bollywood star on social media.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi voiced her concerns regarding the economic struggles of dairy farmers, highlighting the increasing costs of veterinary medicines, insufficient insurance coverage, and limited access to quality cattle feed as significant challenges.

“Many farmers are struggling to survive,” she stated, mentioning her plans to formally communicate these issues to the relevant ministry.

She expressed gratitude to the farmers for their open discussions and committed to advocating for their needs. “I will do whatever I can to assist,” she emphasized.

This visit occurs amidst rising worries regarding the viability of small-scale dairy farming in Kerala, where production costs have escalated and support systems are lacking.

Priyanka Gandhi’s engagement is viewed as part of her broader connection with local communities in her Wayanad constituency.

Just last week, after the Centre allocated Rs 260.56 crore instead of the Rs 2,221 crore requested by the Kerala government for the reconstruction of landslide-affected Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi remarked that “what they received instead is neglect” and asserted that “relief and rehabilitation must transcend politics.”

On social media, she noted, “The residents of Wayanad faced a catastrophic event that required empathy, fairness, and immediate support. The state sought Rs 2,221 crore to restore lives after the landslide, but the Central government approved only Rs 260 crore — a small fraction of what was necessary.”

She continued, “The people of Wayanad, who suffered loss of homes, livelihoods, and family, had anticipated substantial aid, particularly following the Prime Minister’s visit. Instead, they were met with neglect.”

“Relief and rehabilitation should be above politics. Human suffering cannot be leveraged as a political opportunity. The people of Wayanad deserve nothing short of justice, support, and dignity,” she stated.

Earlier, on October 1, more than a year post the devastating landslides in Wayanad, the Centre sanctioned its first dedicated financial support for the district’s recovery.