El Nino Triggered Drought In State: CM calls for conservation of water, climate-resilient farming
In Short
- Suggests widespread cultivation of millets
- Plans reservoirs at Yamiganipalli, Manapalli
- Govt mulls constructing airport at Kuppam
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Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu takes part in a developmental programme in Kuppam on Monday
Kuppam (Chittoor dist): Warning that the El Nino phenomenon had contributed to severe drought conditions in the state this year, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has called for careful use of available water and adoption of farming methods that can help farmers cope with water stress.
Addressing a public meeting in Kuppam after taking part in various developmental programmes on Monday, Naidu said reservoir levels were low this year and stressed the need to make the best use of the available water.
He urged farmers to adopt natural farming, pre-monsoon dry sowing (PMDS) methods and micro irrigation to mitigate the impact of El Nino.
Cultivation of millets could help farmers grow crops with less water, while livestock and poultry could provide additional sources of income. The government was taking steps to ensure adequate fodder for cattle, he added.
Naidu called upon farmers to gradually reduce their dependence on chemical fertilisers and move towards natural farming. Natural farming would not only help reduce the use of fertilisers but also improve moisture retention in the soil, he pointed out.
Criticising the opposition party, the Chief Minister recalled those who had described Amaravati as “a burial ground” were unable to accept its development. Naidu challenged them to respond to issues concerning J-brand liquor and alleged irregularities in the functioning of APPSC.
Referring to DSC teacher appointments, Naidu said the government would not remain silent if attempts were made to create problems over the recruitment process. He alleged that misinformation was being spread about the appointments a year after the recruitment process and strongly objected to the attacks on teachers by YSRCP goons.
On Kuppam’s irrigation needs, Naidu said the Handri-Neeva canal had helped bring water to the constituency and fill 133 tanks. The government was considering the construction of reservoirs at Yamiganipalli and Manapalli. More than 550 minor irrigation tanks in the constituency would be linked through lift irrigation and pipelines, he said.
A reservoir would be constructed near Beeruvanipalle at a cost of Rs 45 crore through the Kuppam Branch Canal of the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project. A junior college would also be established near Mallanur at a cost of Rs 27 crore.
Naidu said 8,500 women in Kuppam were receiving training in digital literacy and entrepreneurship. Thirty-two industries had been established in the constituency in the last two years, creating employment opportunities for local youth.
The government was also working to improve connectivity between Kuppam and Krishnapatnam port and was planning to establish an airport in the constituency. Installing solar rooftops on every house in Kuppam was another target, he said.
The Chief Minister said Kuppam and Hindupur were among the constituencies that had consistently supported the Telugu Desam Party. He appealed to people to support alliance candidates in the upcoming local body elections, saying their victory in every ward and panchayat would reflect the development achieved in the constituency.
During his speech, Naidu briefly stopped when the Azan prayer was heard from a nearby mosque and resumed his address after the prayer ended.
Earlier, local residents and beneficiaries met the Chief Minister and explained the benefits they had received from various developmental programmes in Kuppam.
