Kurnool: Kurnool district has vast fertile lands, abundant water resources and rich agricultural potential. Yet, a vast number of labourers migrate to other states with families looking for work.
These families return briefly during Sankranti, only to leave again in search of employment. In particular, this migration pattern is severe in western regions of the district.
To address the adverse effects of such migration on children’s education, Kurnool district administration has taken proactive steps and established 34 seasonal hostels in mandals that witness migration the most. These hostels aim to ensure a stable living place for the migrants’ children, while providing education.
Kurnool district has 5.50 lakh hectares of agricultural land, but majority of this land is rain-fed, limiting cultivation to a single crop per year. Only about 90,000 hectares of land grows multiple crops annually. Despite the district’s potential for water, its supply remains a challenge.
While the Tungabhadra River flows through several mandals, water from its Low Level Canal (LLC), which connects to the river, is intermittent. Water reaches only limited areas. Lift irrigation schemes exist, but are not as effective as they should be.
Retired engineer M. Subbarayudu explains, “Although the LLC canal irrigates 19,500 hectares and stabilises water supply to 74,000 hectares, only 30,000 hectares actually receive consistent water. To improve the situation and allow for more crops to be grown, the Vedavati project must be implemented.”
Consequently, school attendance in these areas has fallen by 30–40 per cent.
Officials say response to these hostels has been positive, with attendance gradually increasing. However, there must be greater awareness among parents to take advantage of the facilities provided to their children, than taking them away.
Social activist P. Thimma Reddy said industries that can process tomato and small grains, largely grown in the region, could provide the much-needed employment opportunities, thereby reducing the need for migration. He suggested that drip irrigation facilities could be provided to farmers to improve agricultural productivity and reduce seasonal migration. Thimma Reddy went on to urge the government to prioritise completion of the Vedavati and Gundrevula projects and offer subsidies that support the livelihoods of farmers.
