Extending a helping hand to the farmers of flood-affected villages of Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam districts, Vikasa Tarangini, the social service arm of the Jeeyar Education Trust, has partnered with the Hyderabad-based Kaveri Seeds to distribute hybrid maize seed worth Rs. 35 lakhs to the beleaguered farmers. The distribution would begin at Damuluru and Kotikalapudi villages near Ibrahimpatnam in Krishna district on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar, a disciple of Sri Tridandi Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swami, said that the organisation had so far distributed essential commodities to flood victims of Mahabubnagar, Kurnool, Krishna and Guntur districts. “Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji has recently visited the flood-affected island villages of Krishna district and interacted with the farmers. When Swamiji offered help, many farmers sought seed as they have lost their crops,” the Swami said.
Vanaja Bhaskara Rao of Kaveri Seeds had come forward to donate the seeds.
“As chairman of the Jeeyar Educational Trust, Gokaraju Ganga Raju fed about 4,000 flood victims in the city every day for about 10 days. Members of Vikasa Tarangini, along with their family members, participated in the relief and rehabilitation programmes,” the seer said.
Survey
He said Vikasa Tarangini conducted a survey and prepared an estimate of the requirement of seed in flood-affected areas. “On our part, we will distribute seed enough to sow in about 2,500 acres. Mr. Ganga Raju has come forward to distribute seeds for another 300 acres. We are inviting philanthropists to take part in the programme, as seeds are very important for the revival of agriculture in the flood-hit areas,” the Swami said.
‘An inspiration’
Mr. Ganga Raju said that Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji inspired all of them to take part in the relief activities. Area manager of Kaveri Seeds B. Rambabu, president of Vikasa Tarangini K. Mahendar Reddy and others were present.