Sudden Sunday storms catch farmers off guard

Nellore: Prompted by a low-pressure depression over the Bay of Bengal, Nellore district experienced widespread unseasonal rainfall across 25 of its 36 mandals on Sunday. According to Meteorological Department officials, the district recorded an average rainfall of 11.2 mm. Dryland mandal Vinjamur in Udayagiri constituency registered the highest rainfall at 71.6 mm, while Chejerla recorded a low of 1.0 mm, and 11 mandals—including Kovur, Gudur, and Muthukur—reported zero rainfall. While the showers provided temporary relief to crops under rainfed tanks, they pose a serious threat to wetland areas where crops are nearing harvest. District Agriculture Officer (DAO) Satyavani issued an urgent advisory for farmers cultivating the KNM-1638 rice variety, noting that the grains are prone to pre-harvest sprouting while still attached to the panicle due to low or absent dormancy.

To mitigate losses, the DAO advised farmers to drain excess water immediately to prevent stagnation. For standing crops, she recommended spraying a solution of 50 grams of salt per litre of water. If crops have lodged due to rain, farmers should wait for the weather to clear and evenly broadcast 50 kg of crystal salt per acre. Satyavani urged cultivators to stay alert and strictly follow technical guidance issued by the Agriculture Department.

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