Farmers Urged To Take Precautions As Cyclone Threat Looms
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema on November 2 and 3.
Vijayawada:Agriculture minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Saturday urged farmers across Andhra Pradesh to take precautionary measures to protect their crops as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the system is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast by the evening of November 2. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema on November 2 and 3.
Farmers in Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, NTR, Palnadu, Eluru, West Godavari, Prakasam and Nellore districts have been asked to exercise particular caution.
Atchannaidu advised farmers growing paddy, cotton, chilli and horticultural crops to clear drainage channels to prevent waterlogging. Harvested produce should be moved to safe places and protected from rain. He asked farmers to postpone harvesting, pesticide spraying and fertiliser application until weather conditions improve.
Farmers should avoid fields during strong winds and lightning and keep livestock in safe locations, he said. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea and to follow weather warnings.
The minister directed agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries officials to remain available in villages, guide farmers on crop protection and provide technical advice in coordination with agricultural scientists. They should keep seeds and other agricultural inputs ready, respond promptly to farmers’ problems and report developments to higher authorities.
Assuring farmers affected by the recent cyclone of the government’s support, Atchannaidu directed all departments to coordinate and ensure that the latest weather and disaster management advisories reached farmers promptly.
