State El Nino Command Centre Inspected
The centre has been established to remain accessible to farmers and provide timely relief: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: Special chief secretary (agriculture & cooperation) Budithi Rajasekhar and director of agriculture Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon on Tuesday inspected the state El Nino Command & Control Centre at the Integrated Call Centre premises in Gannavaram, Krishna district.
The centre has been established to remain accessible to farmers and provide timely relief during rainfall deficit and water stress. The officials reviewed its operational system, which uses APAIMS 2.0 digital technology and satellite-based resources to detect drought-like conditions at an early stage.
The facility consolidates 15-day rainfall forecasts and satellite-derived crop alerts to facilitate dissemination of advisories and government schemes.
The officials examined the dual functioning of the toll-free number 155251, which responds to farmer calls and proactively contacts cultivators in vulnerable areas identified through satellite alerts. Field-level crop conditions are assessed and guidance provided.
The officials directed that the services be expanded to reassure the farming community.
As part of a random check, they spoke to Nettem Harikrishna, a farmer from Shirpi village in Beluguppa mandal of Anantapur district, along with local agriculture staff. Crop status and rainfall details were compared with satellite data displayed on the video wall, demonstrating the integration of technology with field-level information.
The officials also reviewed the Paadi Pantalu magazine and channel and suggested improvements to make them more accessible.
They said the centre’s primary objective was to integrate digital technology, satellite data and real-time farmer inputs to provide early warnings, advisories and essential services. Special officers have been designated to oversee El Nino mitigation measures under the state’s Primary Mission.
