Nandyal Collector Urges Farmers to Move Away from Water-Intensive Crops as El Niño Looms
Nandyal District Collector Rajakumari Ganiya has directed officials to launch an extensive awareness campaign urging farmers to shift to alternative crops, given the high probability of a strong El Niño impact on the current agricultural season.
During a review meeting on Monday, the Collector noted that meteorological forecasts predict below-normal rainfall this year. She instructed officials to implement a special action plan and create widespread awareness about switching to crops that require less water. Even if rains occur, dry weather and high temperatures may persist for 15 to 20 days, she said.
The Collector warned that El Niño could further deplete groundwater levels, severely affecting drinking water availability, water for livestock, and green fodder. With Srisailam reservoir already at a concerning level, she advised all stakeholders to use water prudently.
Ms. Rajakumari specifically advised farmers to avoid cultivating water-intensive crops such as paddy and maize. Instead, she recommended alternative crops that require less moisture, including red gram (pigeon pea), black gram, green gram, pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet, castor, and sorghum (jowar).
She also reminded that the deadline for crop insurance enrolment is July 31 and directed Agriculture department officials to conduct a special campaign to ensure every eligible farmer gets crop insurance.
In neighbouring Anantapur district, Collector O. Anand directed officials to work with a planned and coordinated approach to handle the El Niño effect effectively.
