Kakinada Steps Up Awareness To Mitigate El Niño Impact
The collector said farmers, particularly in upland areas, were being encouraged to cultivate pulses and horticultural crops rather than depending entirely on paddy.
KAKINADA: Amid warnings of possible El Niño conditions and deficit rainfall this year, the Kakinada district administration has initiated steps to minimise the adverse impact on the agriculture sector.
District collector Harendhira Prasada said the administration was creating awareness among farmers about the adverse conditions. “The government is keen on protecting and promoting agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and other primary sectors while encouraging farmers to adopt suitable cultivation practices,” he said.
The collector said farmers, particularly in upland areas, were being encouraged to cultivate pulses and horticultural crops rather than depending entirely on paddy. He advised farmers to diversify their income by raising vegetables or other short-duration crops on field bunds alongside paddy cultivation.
Harendhira Prasada said farmers should follow the guidance of agriculture officials on the judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides to improve productivity. The government was also monitoring fertilizer supply to discourage excessive usage.
He said the government had made 22 varieties of short-duration pulses available for cultivation during the current season, enabling farmers to earn additional income within a shorter period.
Referring to the Yeleru reservoir, the collector said water levels were currently low and expected to improve by August. Until then, he advised farmers to opt for short-duration pulse crops based on available water resources.
The collector also said the district was promoting natural farming and pre-monsoon dry sowing practices. He urged farmers to seek technical guidance from Rythu Seva Kendrams and adopt recommended practices to protect crops and improve yields.