Inquiry officer allegedly persuades farmers to reach compromiseNegligence of Nunna VHA resulted in farmers being denied compensation for crop damage

Following directives from Horticulture Director Srinivasulu, NTR District Horticulture Officer P. Balaji Kumar has conducted an inquiry into the alleged negligence of Village Horticulture Assistant (VHA) Shyam Victor Paul, who failed to register the e-crop booking. The inquiry took place at the Rythu Bharosa Kendram in Nunna, near Vijayawada, and centred on Paul’s failure to register black gram crops, which were cultivated as an intercrop in mango gardens, in the e-crop system.
However, DHO Balaji Kumar attempted to persuade farmers to reach a compromise instead of conducting a proper investigation. He assured them that strict action will be taken if such negligence recurred. This approach frustrated the farmers, who demanded stricter inquiry, including a recommendation for the suspension of VHA Shyam. The farmers firmly rejected any compromise and insisted on appropriate action against him, leading to a heated argument between them and Balaji Kumar.
According to the farmers, approximately 200 acres were planted with black gram as an intercrop in mango gardens during the previous Rabi season. Unfortunately, the Michung Cyclone severely damaged the entire black gram crop in December. Due to VHA Shyam Victor Paul’s negligence, the entire black gram crop was not registered in the e-crop system, resulting in the farmers being denied compensation from the State government. They felt that a lack of coordination between Agriculture and Horticulture officials and their slow response to complaints exacerbated their losses.
Subsequently, the affected farmers reported their grievances to the NTR District Agriculture and Horticulture Officers, seeking justice for their crop loss and demanding action against VHA Shyam Victor Paul for failing to fulfil his duties. Instead of addressing the farmers’ concerns, the officials attempted to mediate a compromise between the farmers and the VHA. Despite the farmers repeatedly voicing their complaints over the past 10 months, little action was taken.
Eventually, the farmers met Horticulture Director Srinivasulu and submitted a formal complaint against VHA Shyam Victor Paul, seeking his suspension. In response to their complaints, the Horticulture Director ordered an inquiry. However, the farmers expressed their dissatisfaction with the conduct of the inquiry. They warned that if the inquiry officer does not submit a thorough report, they will forward their complaint directly to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.