Kadapa MP Demands ₹50,000 Per Acre Compensation for Damaged Banana Crops

Kadapa Member of Parliament Y.S. Avinash Reddy on Monday demanded that the Andhra Pradesh government increase compensation for damaged banana crops to ₹50,000 per acre, citing the severe losses suffered by farmers due to recent unseasonal rains and gales. The MP, who represents the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency, made the demand after visiting affected fields in the region.

Farmers in Kadapa district, a major banana-growing area, have reported extensive damage to crops, with standing banana plantations flattened by strong winds and heavy rains last week. The current compensation offered by the state government is ₹15,000 per acre, which farmers say is inadequate given the high investment costs of banana cultivation, estimated at over ₹1 lakh per acre. Avinash Reddy urged the government to immediately release the enhanced compensation and also sought a scientific assessment of the damage.

The demand adds pressure on the Andhra Pradesh government, which has faced criticism over its handling of agricultural distress. If accepted, the higher compensation could set a precedent for other crop damage claims in the state. Farmer unions have threatened protests if their demands are not met, and the issue is likely to resonate in the upcoming assembly elections. The government has not yet responded to the MP's request.