Vijayawada: With irrigation water being released earlier than usual in key delta regions, the
Andhra Pradesh agriculture department has intensified Kharif season preparations, directing officials to ensure farmers make full use of the available water for paddy cultivation.
State agriculture director Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon reviewed preparedness measures with district agriculture officers through a video conference and stressed the need for coordinated planning across all districts.
Officials were instructed to ensure that farmers in the Godavari and Somasila delta regions fully utilize the released irrigation water for raising paddy nurseries and completing transplantation activities on schedule. The department also asked officers in areas vulnerable to El Niño conditions to prepare localized contingency plans to safeguard crops against possible weather disruptions.
According to officials, water release from the Somasila and Kandaleru projects in Nellore and Tirupati districts began on May 4, nearly 11 days earlier compared to that of last year. Agriculture authorities expect paddy transplantation in these regions to be completed between May 20 and 25, giving farmers a head start for the Kharif season.
The Agriculture director said adequate stocks of suitable paddy varieties and fertilizers are available across all regions to meet farmers’ requirements during the cultivation period.
Field-level agriculture staff have also been directed to monitor conditions daily through the APAIMS mobile application, which provides updates on weather forecasts, pest alerts and agricultural market prices. Officials were told to share timely information with farmers to help them make informed cultivation decisions.
The state government is also accelerating farmer registration under the unique farmer ID system. Officials said over 60 lakh farmers — around 80 percent of PM-Kisan beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh — have already registered. These IDs will be linked to both central and state agricultural welfare schemes, including fertilizer distribution.
District officials were instructed to create greater awareness among remaining farmers and ensure immediate registration ahead of the Kharif season.
Venu Lanka is a special correspondent, at The Times of India-Vija...
Read MoreVenu Lanka is a special correspondent, at The Times of India-Vijayawada. He covers developments related to VMC/APCRDA, Janasena, education, health, endowments, and agriculture-related stories. He holds two graduate degrees, one in business management and another in law. He completed his post-graduation in journalism and mass communication, apart from completing short-term courses.
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