Hyderabad, Oct 30 (NationPress) The devastating cyclonic storm Montha has caused significant destruction, affecting crops across 4,47,864 acres in Telangana, as indicated by the preliminary loss assessment from the state’s agriculture department.

Most of the agricultural damage was reported in Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda districts.

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao stated that the crop loss figures could escalate following a comprehensive survey and assured that the government will provide support to every affected farmer.

The minister disclosed that 4,47,864 acres of crops belonging to 2,53,033 farmers across 179 mandals in 12 districts have suffered damage from the cyclone, with further losses likely to be identified in an extensive survey.

Initial reports highlight that paddy crops were affected on 2,82,379 acres and cotton on 1,51,707 acres.

The most substantial crop damage occurred in Warangal, with 1,30,200 acres affected, followed by Khammam at 62,400 acres and Nalgonda at 52,071 acres, according to preliminary findings.

Minister Nageswara Rao reassured that all farmers impacted by Cyclone Montha will receive assistance. He noted that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will visit the flood-affected districts to support farmers.

The Agriculture Minister mentioned he will collaborate with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to determine the compensation amount per acre for the affected crops.

The preliminary assessment also reveals that maize suffered damage over 4,963 acres, chillies over 3,613 acres, pulses 1,228 acres, and groundnuts 2,674 acres. Additionally, horticulture and other crops experienced damage exceeding 1,300 acres.

Previously, ministers and Collectors briefed Chief Minister Revanth Reddy regarding the damage to paddy and cotton crops in the cyclone-stricken areas.

Concerned about the dire situation for farmers during harvest time, the Chief Minister expressed that the government has set a target of procuring 80 lakh metric tonnes of paddy and instructed the Civil Supplies Department to implement stringent measures.

In response to reports of paddy being soaked and farmers worrying about their stocks being washed away in some IKP centres, CM Revanth Reddy directed Collectors to facilitate the immediate transfer of paddy from IKP centres to nearby godowns and mills.

Officials were also instructed to store paddy in the closest available venues, such as function halls, when godowns and mills are unavailable. Collectors were tasked with appointing an officer to oversee each procurement centre.