Amaravati, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged state officials to address the challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon. During a teleconference on Sunday, he recommended implementing short- and medium-term plans to mitigate its impact.
Naidu reviewed the necessary measures and action plans required to tackle the effects of El Niño. He spoke with senior officials from various departments, district collectors, and staff from the Raithu Seva Kendras (farmer service centers).
The state has reported a significant 50.7% reduction in rainfall, with the most severe deficits observed in the Prakasam, Annamayya, and Satya Sai districts. While 30.84 lakh hectares were planned for cultivation during the Kharif season, only 21% of that land has been utilized due to El Niño’s effects.
Despite satisfactory pulses cultivation, oilseed farming has seen a decline. Naidu instructed officials to focus on assisting farmers and controlling prices. He emphasized the need to manage the prices of essential commodities such as rice, onions, palm oil, and pigeon peas.
He noted that the government had anticipated the El Niño situation and urged everyone to adhere to the pre-prepared action plan. The effects of El Niño extend beyond agriculture, affecting all sectors. Efforts must be made to shield farmers from its impact while also addressing rising prices.
Naidu advised the proper allocation of funds for horticultural crops in high-risk areas. He stressed the importance of growing crops based on market demand.
The Chief Minister mentioned that crop insurance has been arranged, emphasizing the need to ensure that compensation reaches farmers in case of crop loss. He directed officials to inspect rice stocks and release them into the market to stabilize prices.
To control onion prices, the government is sourcing onions from various regions and promoting increased cultivation to meet future demand. Decisions previously made to regulate palm oil and pigeon pea prices must be implemented swiftly.
Naidu encouraged the promotion of kitchen gardens, ensuring that vegetables are cultivated by self-help groups. He believes this initiative will help keep vegetable prices in check.
He also pointed out that the central government provides a minimum support price (MSP) for certain crops and urged officials to coordinate with the center on this matter.
The Chief Minister concluded by stating that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that disasters do not adversely affect the public. Authorities must avoid situations where negligence leads to hardships for farmers and consumers.
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