Take steps to protect harvested paddy: CM

In view of the heavy rain alert for Andhra Pradesh issued by the Met department, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed all district collectors and joint collectors (JCs) to take proactive steps to protect the harvested paddy crop from potential damage. The CM has issued instructions to follow specific measures to safeguard the crop and minimise losses.
To prevent damage to harvested paddy due to rain, the CM has instructed officials to promptly transfer the harvested crop to rice mills, ensuring it is stored safely and not left exposed to the weather. The Agriculture Department has been directed to issue advisories to farmers, advising them not to harvest paddy during the rainfall. This precaution is aimed at avoiding exposure of the freshly harvested crop to moisture, which could affect both its quality and yield.
In cases where farmers have not used the traditional method of heaping the paddy, the government will provide tarpaulins to cover the harvested crop.
This will protect the paddy from rainwater and prevent spoilage.
These measures are part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to protect the interests of farmers and ensure that the paddy harvest remains intact during adverse weather conditions. The government is closely monitoring the situation and working in coordination with local authorities to ensure prompt action.