Vijayawada: With the forecast of heavy rains in various parts of the state due to a cyclonic storm brewing in the Bay of Bengal from Friday, farmers across Andhra Pradesh are racing against time to complete paddy harvesting.
The agriculture department, in coordination with district officials, is taking proactive measures to expedite the process and minimise potential crop losses.
This year was particularly challenging for farmers, with unseasonal rains disrupting the Kharif crop cycle. In many areas, farmers were forced to replant paddy, causing delays in the harvest season. With crops ready for harvest and the looming threat of heavy rains, farmers fear of incurring significant losses if harvesting is not completed at the earliest.
Agriculture department director S Dilli Rao mobilised resources across the state, and ensured the deployment of rice harvesting machines, particularly in the coastal districts, to speed up the process. Officials are working to complete crop harvest in storm-affected areas by Friday afternoon.
However, some farmers expressed concerns about the quality of grains due to early harvesting, with higher moisture content making it challenging to dry the paddy. To mitigate losses, farmers are using tarpaulins to protect harvested grain from getting wet in the fields.
Agriculture minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, through a teleconference, reviewed the progress and directed officials to ensure no farmer suffers losses due to the storm.
Civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar is personally visiting procurement centres to oversee paddy purchase, ensuring swift action and timely payments.
Meanwhile, officials in Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore districts have started call centres to help farmers harvest the crop and sell it to the govt.
