Vijayawada: The delayed monsoon in Andhra Pradesh may affect the agro-economy in coastal districts, called the granary of the state.
Farmers are hesitating to raise paddy nurseries with the prevailing drought conditions and no assurance on release of water.
In rice-rich East Godavari district, the average paddy yield during the kharif season comes to around 12 lakh metric tonnes.
Agricultural experts fear a fall in paddy yield due to the delayed monsoon.
In Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and West Godavari districts, the farmers have lost all hopes of cultivation during the kharif season as the government has failed to release water so far.
Farmers are expressing concern over the decision of the Krishna River Board to release 3.5 tmc of water for drinking water purpose, though 80 tmc of water is needed for the kharif season in Krishna delta.
Last year, the state released water to Krishna delta in July 11. However, timely rainfall saved the kharif season.
Given this situation, agriculture department officials have prepared contingency plans.
