T BJP chief seeks alternative crop strategy in view of El Nino threat | Hyderabad News

Nalgonda: Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao on Wednesday alleged that the Congress govt had failed to guide farmers on alternative crops, dryland farming, vegetables and crop diversification despite indications of drought, and demanded immediate measures to address farm distress.Speaking after touring dried crop fields and interacting with farmers in Nalgonda district, Rao said govt should have used FPOs and agriculture officials to create awareness about alternative cropping instead of merely asking farmers not to sow crops.He alleged that thousands of acres of crops dependent on borewells had dried up due to inadequate and erratic power supply. Farmers were being promised 12 to 15 hours of power but were receiving a maximum of five hours, with frequent tripping and breakdowns, he claimed.Rao demanded that the govt seek central assistance, bring a central team to assess crop losses and provide immediate compensation to affected farmers.He also alleged that govt had failed to take advance measures despite indications of drought linked to El Nino conditions.Rao said BJP would continue to fight for farmers’ rights and demanded swift action to address water and power shortages.