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CM Calls for Advance Irrigation to Avert Cyclone Risks
Effective Implementation of Kharif Crop Plan
Strategy in Place to Cultivate 3 Crops a Year
Wider Paddy Field Bunds Using NREGS Funds… Higher Profits through Intercrops
Fertilizer Usage to be Reduced to 35 Lakh Metric Tonnes
CM Chandrababu Reviews the Agriculture Department
Amaravati, June 10, 2025:Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed agriculture officials to advance the crop season to protect Kharif crops from cyclones. Acting on these instructions, the Agriculture Department has already initiated early release of irrigation water to the Godavari and Krishna delta regions. During a review meeting at the Undavalli camp office on Tuesday, officials briefed the CM on these developments.
Water has already been released through canals to farmlands in West Godavari, Eluru, Konaseema, East Godavari, Kakinada, and Krishna districts. Plans are in place to supply irrigation water to Guntur, Bapatla, and Prakasam districts in the first week of July. Officials noted that paddy, red gram, groundnut, and cotton are the primary crops during the Kharif season. While groundnut and cotton cultivation has declined, red gram has seen an increase and paddy cultivation remains stable.
14 Cyclones in 20 Years:
Andhra Pradesh has faced 14 cyclones in the last 20 years—five in October, six in November, and three in December. October cyclones have particularly impacted the north coastal region and the East Godavari district.
Three Crops a Year Going Forward:
The Chief Minister emphasized that farmland should remain green throughout the year and directed officials to adopt a three-crop policy. He instructed cultivation of summer crops next year on five lakh acres across north coastal Andhra, Godavari, and Krishna delta regions.
In districts like Anantapur, farming occurs for only four months a year, leaving land fallow for the remaining eight months, leading to soil nutrient depletion. CM Naidu stressed the need to utilize these eight months for cultivating additional crops. He directed officials to prepare farmers in 141 mandals where water resources are available for summer farming—19 with reservoirs, 57 with tanks, and 65 dependent on groundwater.
He also advised promoting fine varieties of paddy that are in high demand.
Boosting Paddy Farmers’ Income:
To improve incomes of paddy farmers, CM Naidu proposed intercropping fruits and vegetables on widened bunds of paddy fields. He emphasized awareness among farmers about constructing wider bunds between plots, and said these can be built using NREGS funds if needed. He also encouraged experimenting with aquaculture and horticulture on the peripheries or in between paddy plots.
Tobacco Farmers Satisfied with Procurement:
Officials informed the CM that HD Burley tobacco procurement has begun at the Parchur AMC and farmers have expressed satisfaction. Alternative crop cultivation is being encouraged in place of HD Burley. CM Naidu also enquired about procurement of cocoa and mango.
They informed him that three new agriculture-related services have been launched on the WhatsApp Governance – Mana Mitra platform: crop insurance, agricultural mechanization, and MARKFED services. Farmers can now access these through WhatsApp. The CM also directed that both online and offline awareness be increased among farmers regarding agricultural best practices.
Reduce Fertilizer Use:
“We must reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides to preserve soil fertility. Ensure there is no shortage of fertilizers anywhere. Stay updated with real-time data on fertilizer and pesticide use. Last year, 39 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers were used in the state; this year, we must bring that down to 35 lakh metric tonnes. Pulses and millet cultivation should be increased. Banks must disburse loans to farmers within 24 hours of request during this season,” the Chief Minister said.
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