Debt-ridden farmers eye commercial crops

Srikakulam: Worried over regular losses and vexed with unchanged financial status, the debt-ridden farmers in Bhamini, Kotturu, Rajam, Ranastalam, Veeragattam and other mandals are eyeing on commercial crops cultivation for the last two years.

• The farmers are attracting towards maize crop considering the low investment, 90 days duration of crop and high yield
• Agriculture officials awareness camps on commercial crops is yielding results and farmers changing their mindset on traditional crops

A series of awareness camps being conducted by the agriculture and other department officials are yielding good results and changing mindset of farmers.

Instead of paddy and cotton cultivation, the farmers started growing maize crop in Peddadimili, Keesara, Thalada, Kosali, Ghanasara, Pasukudi, Neradi, Gurandi and Baleru villages in Bhamini mandal from the last year. Due to considerable profits, the farmers are attracting towards maize crop.

For cultivation of maize in an acre Rs 12,000 investment is required and yield per average is 30 quintals and currently, the price for quintal is Rs 1,400 and total earning is Rs 42,000. If the atmosphere is favourable, the farmers profit may touch Rs 30,000.

The duration of crop period is 90 days, which is less when compare to other crops. Besides the government is also providing 50 per cent subsidy on seed price.

Less quantity of water is enough for the crop. “We started maize crop three years ago and earning good profits than paddy and cotton,” said farmers of Peddadimili and Keesara villages, Bhojapu Ramprasad Naidu and Polaki Rambabu.

With farm mechanisation, we overcome labour problem also, they added. “This year our target is to promote cultivation of maize in an extent of 62,000 acres in rabi season. So far 50,000 acres has been covered and we will fulfil our target in a week,” Joint Director for Agriculture G RamaRao told The Hans India.

By Chowdari Lakshmana Rao