Cultivate dryland crops to minimise El Nino impact

Khanapur: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has urged farmers to cultivate dryland crops to minimise the impact of El Niño and tackle the challenges posed by inadequate rainfall and declining groundwater levels.

Addressing farmers during the Rythu Nestham programme conducted across Rythu Vedika centres on Monday, the Minister, along with Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Agriculture Secretary Surendra Mohan and senior officials, stressed the need for climate-resilient farming practices. He advised farmers to prioritise short-duration crops that require less water, particularly oilseeds and pulses. Recommended crops included groundnut, sunflower, safflower, sesame, green gram, black gram, chickpea and pigeon pea. He assured farmers that the government was prepared to supply the required seeds.

The Minister expressed concern over the stress faced by standing crops due to unfavourable rainfall conditions, warning that yields could decline significantly. He said shifting to suitable dryland crops could also improve soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture.

Pointing to increased electricity consumption and falling groundwater levels, he urged farmers to plan cultivation according to weather conditions and official advisories. He directed officials to regularly meet farmers, explain suitable farming practices and communicate field conditions.

Nirmal District Collector Bhavesh Mishra participated in the programme at New PochampadRythuVedika in Nirmal Rural mandal, along with other officials and representatives.

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