Second Paddy Crop at Critical Stage Prompts Nellore Irrigation Push

Farmers in Nellore district in India grow rice, which is also called paddy.

They have planted the second rice crop of the year.

This crop is now at a very important stage where the rice grains are starting to form.

The plants need enough water at this time, or the grains will not grow well.

Leaders and officials met to talk about how to share the water from a big reservoir called Somasila.

The minister said the next 30 days are the most important for the crop.

The plan is to water about 322,000 acres of farmland.

Special teams will check the canals so water reaches all the fields, even the faraway ones.

One canal, called the Kavali canal, has a broken part that needs fixing.

Everyone agreed they must not waste water, because dry weather linked to El Nino could make the situation harder.