CS Orders All Departments to Step Up El Nino Preparedness

VIJAYAWADA: Chief secretary G. Sai Prasad on Friday directed all departments to work in coordination to mitigate the impact of the El Nino phenomenon, stressing that protecting the interests of farmers, horticulturists, livestock rearers and fishermen remained the state government's top priority.

Chairing a high-level review meeting with officials of the agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries departments at the State Secretariat in Amaravati, he said rapidly changing weather conditions required proactive planning and swift implementation of contingency measures.

He directed district collectors to closely monitor the situation, particularly in vulnerable mandals and Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs), and ensure effective implementation of district-specific action plans.

Agriculture special chief secretary B. Rajasekhar said Andhra Pradesh recorded a 48.3 per cent rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 15. Of the state's 28 districts, 24 were in the deficient rainfall category, while four faced severe deficiency.

He said that of the 8,489 Rythu Seva Kendras, 1,357 had been identified as high-risk, 2,077 as moderate-risk and 5,055 as low-risk, with Rayalaseema emerging as the most vulnerable region.

Sai Prasad directed officials to intensify awareness on scientific farming, issue regular crop advisories through Rythu Seva Kendras and WhatsApp groups, promote alternative crops, maintain adequate contingency seed stocks and expand dry sowing, natural farming and cultivation of low-water crops.

Reviewing the horticulture sector, officials said chilli, onion, vegetable, mango, orange and lemon crops were at greater risk due to water scarcity and rising temperatures, particularly in Rayalaseema. The chief secretary called for wider adoption of drip irrigation, farm ponds, mulching, shade nets and micronutrients, along with regular monitoring of pests and diseases.

He also directed the animal husbandry department to ensure adequate fodder and drinking water, increase fodder production, transport fodder to deficit areas, establish cattle camps where necessary and prevent distress sale of livestock.

The fisheries department was asked to monitor pond water levels, water quality and dissolved oxygen, provide scientific advisories and keep district-level emergency plans ready for aqua farmers.

Stating that El Nino conditions could persist for the next few months, Sai Prasad said coordinated action by all departments would help minimise losses.