HYDERABAD: The cross-examination of scientist PV Satyanarayana of the rice research station at Maruteru in Andhra Pradesh on cropping pattern continued on the second day before the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal on Friday. After the two-day hearing, the Krishna river water tribunal announced that further cross-examination of the witness would continue from March 26
to 28.
The following are excerpts of the cross-examination of the scientist by Telangana’s advocate CS Vaidyanathan.
Q Is it correct that the additional water requirements indicated by Telangana is in respect of irrigated dry crops which, according to you, are more appropriate for Telangana?
A For deciding on growing any crop, soil suitability in relation to agro-climatic zone is very important. In general, the districts falling under the Krishna basin of Telangana are more conducive for growing irrigated dry crops.
Q In the existing irrigated area of the Krishna basin in Andhra Pradesh, would it be correct to say that the major part is under paddy crop?
A Yes
Q As against this, is it correct that in Telangana, even as on date, the major area under irrigation in Krishna basin has only irrigated dry crops?
A Yes.
Q In the estimation of water requirements which you have made for paddy in Andhra and Telangana, would it be correct to say that the ET (evapotranspiration) requirement in Telangana is more or less corresponding to the ET requirement in Andhra and, in some cases, even less than in Andhra?
A The ET requirements are, by and large, similar.
Q Is it a fact that the areas under paddy in Krishna basin in Telangana have been growing the crop for the last, at least, five decades?
A Yes, it is almost four to five decades but rice has been being grown in Andhra Pradesh for longer _ 12 to 15 decades.
Q Would it be correct to say that paddy cultivation in areas under minor irrigation in the Krishna basin of Telangana is several centuries old?
A I have to verify.
Q Could you indicate the basis for computing the water requirements for paddy in Telangana by taking percolation losses at the rate of 5 mm per day?
A The basis for computing water requirement for paddy by taking percolation loss is FAO 1989 document which clearly indicates percolation losses for different types of soil.
Q Are you aware that in the report on modernisation of Nagarjuna Sagar prepared by the undivided Andhra Pradesh government, the water requirements for paddy crop for Kharif and Rabi seasons have been worked out?
A Yes.
Q Am I right in saying that you have taken percolation loss at 2 mm per day in respect of Andhra areas and 5 mm per day for three out of four districts in Telangana, irrespective of the nature of soils?
A In general, the predominant soil type is considered for calculating percolation loss. Considering heavy soil nature in Andhra areas, the percolation loss is taken as 2 mm per day. In respect of Telangana, the loss is taken as 5 mm per day considering the mixed soil type (more of light texture soils) in three out of four districts.