Tirupati Collector S. Venkateswar has cautioned farmers in Sullurpeta and Naidupeta against paddy cultivation due to a projected 32% rainfall deficit caused by El Nino.

  • A 32% rainfall deficit is forecasted due to the El Nino effect.
  • Farmers in Sullurpeta and Naidupeta are advised to avoid water-intensive paddy crops.
  • Only 10-12 TMC of water is available in the Telugu Ganga canal.
  • Emphasis has been placed on high-end mechanization and Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS).

The agricultural landscape in the Tirupati district is facing a looming challenge. Tirupati District Collector S. Venkateswar has issued a stern warning to the farming community in the Sullurpeta and Naidupeta regions, advising them to refrain from paddy cultivation. This caution comes in light of the predicted impact of El Nino, which is expected to significantly reduce rainfall in the coming months.

The warning was delivered during the inauguration of the 'Agri Expo and Kisan Mela' at the ALCM School grounds in Naidupeta. While the district has seen a surge in agricultural area—increasing from 32,000 to 52,000 hectares due to high groundwater levels and the brimming Kandaleru reservoir—the Collector noted that this expansion is precarious. The forecasted 32% deficit in annual rainfall poses a direct threat to long-term crop stability.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the reliance on water-intensive crops like paddy during an El Nino cycle can lead to catastrophic financial losses for small-scale farmers. The scarcity of irrigation infrastructure in specific pockets makes these areas highly vulnerable. The Collector highlighted that the Telugu Ganga canal holds only 10-12 TMC of water, a resource that must be managed with extreme precision to prevent a regional water crisis.

Transitioning from water-intensive crops to climate-resilient alternatives is no longer an option, but a necessity for survival in the El Nino era.

To mitigate these risks, Sullurpeta MLA Nelavala Vijayasree urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural technology. Her recommendations included the use of drones for sowing, intensive soil testing to optimize fertilizer use, and the adoption of advanced mechanization to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Sustainable Alternatives: PMDS Method

District agricultural experts, including Assistant Director Nagarjuna, introduced the concept of Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS). This technique involves sowing a diverse mixture of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, which helps in maintaining soil fertility and ensures better resilience against erratic weather patterns.

Did You Know?: El Nino is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which disrupts global weather systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is paddy cultivation considered risky this year?
Due to the El Nino effect, a 32% rainfall deficit is expected, and irrigation water from the Telugu Ganga canal is limited.

2. What modern methods are recommended for farmers?
Farmers are encouraged to use drones, conduct soil testing, and adopt the Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) technique.