5 days ago
Godavari Farmers Expect Strong Paddy Harvest Despite El Niño
Farmers in the Godavari districts are growing paddy and other crops this Kharif season.
Rainfall has been lower than usual because of the El Niño effect.
However, water from the Godavari River has been released into canals since May 31.
This has helped many farmers irrigate their fields.
Officials say the crops are healthy and have not faced major pest or disease problems.
West Godavari farmers expect about 40 bags of paddy per acre, compared with 25 bags last season.
Some farmers in Yelamanchali and Penugonda say canal water has not reached them.
Authorities say river inflows are currently sufficient to continue supplying the Godavari delta.
Godavari farmers expect a better Kharif paddy harvest despite deficit rainfall linked to El Niño.
Authorities released nearly 92 TMC of Godavari water through three canal systems from May 31.
Paddy and other crops cover 1.15 lakh acres in West Godavari and 2.32 lakh acres in East Godavari.
Officials report healthy crops and no significant pest or disease problems so far.
Farmers in Yelamanchali and Penugonda say they are not receiving canal water and are awaiting rainfall.
- Who
- Farmers and Water Resources and Agriculture authorities in the Godavari districts.
- What
- Farmers are cultivating Kharif paddy and other crops and expect improved yields despite deficit rainfall.
- Where
- West Godavari and East Godavari districts in the Godavari delta, including Yelamanchali and Penugonda.
- When
- Water releases began on May 31; the reported cultivation and water releases are for the current Kharif season.
- Why
- Early canal-water releases and continuing Godavari inflows have supported irrigation despite the El Niño-related rainfall deficit.
Officials and Most Farmers
Farmers Reporting Local Shortages
Availability of irrigation water
Officials and Most Farmers
Officials say Godavari inflows are adequate, canals are receiving 14,000 to 15,000 cusecs, and farmers in most areas have not faced water shortages.
Farmers Reporting Local Shortages
Farmers in Yelamanchali and Penugonda complain that canal water is not reaching them and say they are waiting for rainfall.
Key facts
- Canal water released
- Nearly 92 TMC has been released for cultivation since May 31.
- Command area
- The three major eastern, central and western canals serve more than 10 lakh acres.
- West Godavari cultivation
- About 1.15 lakh acres have been cultivated, with another 5,000 acres expected to be added.
- East Godavari cultivation
- Paddy and other crops cover about 2.32 lakh acres.
- Expected West Godavari yield
- Officials expect 40 bags per acre, with each bag weighing 75 kg, compared with 25 bags last October.
- Current canal release
- About 14,000 to 15,000 cusecs is being released into the canals.
- Water flowing to sea
- About five lakh cusecs is flowing into the sea from the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage.
Quotes
Z. Venkateswara Rao
West Godavari joint director of Agriculture
“As the river is getting good inflow of water from upstream projects due to rainfall in their upper catchment areas, we are having adequate water to release into canals for raising crops in the Godavari delta area. We will continue to meet the requirement of water to raise crops.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Farmers have received Godavari water early this season. So far, there have been no issues of any pests or diseases, whether involving paddy or other crops in the district. Crops are healthy and growing well. We expect a better paddy yield.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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