The Andhra Pradesh agriculture department has intensified preparations for the Kharif season following an earlier-than-usual release of irrigation water in key delta regions. Officials have been directed to ensure that farmers fully utilize the available water for paddy cultivation, aiming to maximize yields and secure the state's agricultural output.
Coordinated Planning Across Districts
State Agriculture Director Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon reviewed the preparedness measures with district agriculture officers through a video conference. He stressed the importance of coordinated planning across all districts to optimize the use of released water and streamline cultivation activities. The department emphasized that farmers in the Godavari and Somasila delta regions should take immediate advantage of the water for raising paddy nurseries and completing transplantation on schedule.
Officials were also instructed to prepare localized contingency plans for areas vulnerable to El Niño conditions. These plans aim to safeguard crops against possible weather disruptions, ensuring that farmers are not caught off guard by adverse climatic events during the growing season.
Early Water Release Benefits
According to department officials, water release from the Somasila and Kandaleru projects in Nellore and Tirupati districts began on May 4, nearly 11 days earlier than the previous year. This early release gives farmers a head start for the Kharif season, with paddy transplantation expected to be completed between May 20 and 25 in these regions. The agriculture director confirmed that adequate stocks of suitable paddy varieties and fertilizers are available across all regions to meet farmers’ requirements during the cultivation period.
Technology and Monitoring
Field-level agriculture staff have been directed to monitor conditions daily using the APAIMS mobile application. This app provides real-time updates on weather forecasts, pest alerts, and agricultural market prices. Officials are tasked with sharing timely information with farmers to help them make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and pest management.
Farmer Registration Drive
The state government is also accelerating farmer registration under the unique farmer ID system. Officials reported that over 60 lakh farmers, representing approximately 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 have been instructed to create greater awareness among remaining farmers and ensure immediate registration ahead of the Kharif season.
With these measures, the Andhra Pradesh agriculture department aims to ensure a smooth and productive Kharif season, leveraging early water availability and modern monitoring tools to support farmers and enhance crop yields.
