5 days ago
Deficit rainfall hits kharif sowing in 11 mandals of Vizianagaram
Agriculture activity has been impacted in 11 out of 27 mandals of Vizianagaram district due to deficit rainfall during the ongoing kharif season.
Farmers in Vangara, Regidi Amadalavalasa, Rajam, Bobbili, Ramabhadrapuram, Gajapathinagaram Garividi, Cheepurupalli and other mandals have been unable to begin sowing operations, with rainfall falling short of the seasonal averages.
For instance, Vangara mandal received only 157 mm rainfall against the average rainfall of 162.2 mm, while Gantyada, received 140 mm compared to its normal 190.6 mm rainfall.
Farmers who received water from Madduvalasa, Thatipudi and other reservoirs are relatively safe. However, in the absence of irrigation, a majority of farmers in the district, rely solely on the rains to irrigate their fields. The overall sowing activity in the district has dropped significantly. Normally, agriculture is taken up in 4.5 lakh acres, but this season it has been confined to around 2 lakh acres.
Agriculture officials remain hopeful, citing the India Meteorological Department's forecast of additional rainfall for the district in the third week of July.
CPIM leader Reddi Shankara Rao has urged the government to provide financial assistance to farmers who have been unable to begin sowing due to lack rainfall and irrigation facility.
YSRCP leaders have sought ₹20,000 financial assistance for each farmer under the Rythu Bharosa scheme which was implemented during the tenure of former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy regime.
