Horticulture crop loss in East Godavari 7.45 cr

Kakinada: High velocity gales during Phethai cyclone this week damaged horticulture crops in many areas East Godavari. According to preliminary assessment by horticulture authorities, banana, vegetables, papaya, flowers, chilli, onion and tapioca crops have been damaged in the district and losses are estimated to be Rs 7.45 crore Banana crop was damaged in Kothapeta and Atreyapuram in the district to the maximum extent.

Vegetable crops were hit in Mummidivaram, Rowtulapudi and Gollaprolu mandals. The coconut was effected in Katrenikona, Inavilli and Mamdikuduru mandals. The horticulture crops were damaged in an area of 3,399 hectare and the coconut trees numbering 958 were uprooted across the district effecting 498 farmers.

According to assistant director, horticulture, B V.Ramana, the government announced compensation to the affected farmers. The crop-wise compensation is Rs 25,000 for banana in one hectare, Rs 15,000 for vegetables, Rs 15,000 for papaya. Rs 15,000 flowers , Rs 15,000 for chilli and onion each and Rs 7,500 for tapioca .

For losses to coconut crop, Rs 1,500 per each tree to 496 farmers who lost the crop in all the three horticulture divisions in Kakinada, Amalapuram and Rajamahendravaram in the district, the assistant director said.