Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that floods in Andhra Pradesh damaged crops in 1.8 lakh hectares and affected about 2 lakh farmers, as per initial estimates. He said the crops have suffered a lot of damage, especially flowers and turmeric. Mr Chouhan is on a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to assess the flood situation. The Agriculture Minister assured of all help to the two states from the central government after completing the assessment of damages. He said the assessment process has begun, and NDRF teams and Agriculture Department officials are evaluating the damages.

The Agriculture Minister said the central government will assist in restoring normalcy and providing compensation for damaged crops and household goods. In Andhra, Mr Chouhan conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Vijayawada, including Budameru, Jakkampudi Milk Factory, and Kandrika, and inspected the Prakasham Barrage Dam and damaged fields along the Krishna River. The Union Minister interacted with local residents and farmers by getting into the water in Jakkampudi. He also inspected the flood situation with NDRF teams and officials. Mr Chouhan is scheduled to visit the flood-affected Khammam district and other areas of Telangana today.