farmers of Andhra Pradesh have been directed not to cultivate a second crop of rice during the winter season because of low levels of water at the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar reservoirs of the state. "The farmers have been advised to cultivate crops which do not require a lot of water to grow," state revenue minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju said. The state government has also asked the Union government to divert the state's surplus stocks of foodgrain to other states.
The decision not to cultivate the rabi (winter) crop was taken after analysing the water available in the two reservoirs, Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar, for irrigation purposes. The state government had earlier set a target of cultivating at least 46 lakh tonnes of rice crop during the winter season. "Water in the reservoirs is available only for one crop. Besides, there is a dry spell at present. Therefore, there will be no water available for the second crop in the winter season," Raju added.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.