Comprehensive plan needed to protect Krishna delta farmers, says MLA

The MLA pointed out that farmers in the Krishna Delta had raised nurseries and taken up cultivation after incurring considerable expenditure on seeds, fertilisers, labour and other agricultural inputs

Metro India News | AVANIGADDA

Avanigadda MLA Dr. Mandali Buddha Prasad has urged State Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu to formulate a comprehensive plan to protect farmers and their standing crops in the Krishna Delta amid concerns over water availability during the current cultivation season. In a letter to the Minister, Mr. Buddha Prasad welcomed the State Cabinet's decision to take steps to safeguard crops already raised by farmers. He also expressed his special gratitude to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the decision.

The MLA pointed out that farmers in the Krishna Delta had raised nurseries and taken up cultivation after incurring considerable expenditure on seeds, fertilisers, labour and other agricultural inputs, despite the limited availability of water and the prevailing conditions. He cautioned that if adequate irrigation water was not supplied during critical stages of crop growth, farmers could face not only reduced yields but also the loss of their investments.

A rotational water-distribution system and a detailed schedule should be prepared to ensure that water reaches tail-end and low-lying areas of the canal system, he said, and further suggested that the schedule should be communicated to farmers in advance so that they can plan their agricultural activities accordingly.