VIJAYAWADA: Reviewing the impact of El Niño in the State, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to implement the contingency plans effectively to protect the interests of farmers and control prices of essential commodities.
During a teleconference with senior officials of various departments, district Collectors, and Rythu Seva Kendra (RSK) staff on Sunday, he said the impact of El Niño could extend beyond agriculture, and called for coordinated action by all departments. He instructed officials to keep the prices of rice, onions, palm oil and red gram under control. Rice stocks in godowns should be assessed and released into the market wherever necessary to check the price rise, he said.
“Onions are being procured from different regions to control rise in prices. Onion cultivation will be promoted in a big way in the State to meet the future demand. Concrete measures should be implemented to regulate the prices of palm oil and red gram,” he said.
Naidu stressed the need for demand-based crop cultivation, and asked officials to ensure that farmers receive crop insurance compensation promptly in case of crop loss. He also underlined the need for promoting cultivation of pulses, millets and drought-resistant crops in the State,
The State has recorded 50.7% rainfall deficit this season, with Prakasam, Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts reporting the highest deficit. Against the Kharif target of 30.84 lakh hectares, cultivation has been taken up in 79% of the area. “The impact of El Niño is particularly visible on crops in Kurnool, Nandyal and Anantapur districts, while oilseed cultivation has remained low compared with pulses,” he said.
Naidu said Rs 190 crore had been allocated to protect horticulture crops in high-risk areas, and urged officials to utilise the funds effectively. He also directed them to ensure no drinking water shortage in urban and rural areas.
He called for promoting kitchen gardens through self-help groups to increase vegetable production, which helps control prices. The Chief Minister said Rs 3,500 crore had been spent to ensure water flow into the Handri-Neeva canals within 100 days. He directed officials and public representatives to tour villages, create awareness among farmers about El Niño, and intensify the implementation of Jaladhara by integrating it with works under VB-G RAM G.