3 weeks ago
CPM urges govt to release water for Krishna Delta crops
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPM, asked the Andhra Pradesh government to let more water flow to farms in the Krishna Delta area.
Farmers there grow rice, which is also called paddy.
The Krishna and Godavari rivers now have more water than before, which is good for farming.
The CPM leader, V Srinivasa Rao, said farmers had already started preparing fields and planting rice.
Earlier, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu assured farmers that water would be released ahead of schedule.
But then the government told farmers not to grow paddy because of a weather pattern called El Niño, which can bring less rain.
This made farmers confused, especially in the Krishna and Bapatla districts.
The party said about 5,200 units of water are already flowing through a big canal project called Pattiseema, and this could be increased.
They also said some traders are storing rice, which makes rice more expensive for people.
The party wants the government to talk with farmers, make a clear plan, and protect everyone's food and income.
CPM has urged the Andhra Pradesh government to release adequate irrigation water to the Krishna Delta to protect the ongoing kharif paddy crop.
CPM State Secretary V Srinivasa Rao cited improved inflows into the Krishna and Godavari river systems as creating favourable conditions for cultivation.
A government advisory asking farmers to avoid paddy cultivation due to anticipated El Niño impact caused confusion in Krishna and Bapatla districts.
About 5,200 cusecs of water is being diverted through the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, with scope to increase it to 7,000 cusecs.
CPM alleged that traders are hoarding rice citing fears of lower paddy production, leading to higher prices and burdening consumers.
The party urged the government to ensure sufficient irrigation, plan alternative crops and hold consultations to safeguard farmers' interests.
- Who
- CPM State Secretary V Srinivasa Rao, on behalf of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Andhra Pradesh government led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
- What
- Urging the Andhra Pradesh government to release adequate irrigation water to the Krishna Delta to protect the ongoing kharif paddy crop.
- Where
- Krishna Delta in Andhra Pradesh, with confusion reported in Krishna and Bapatla districts.
- When
- Wednesday, during the ongoing kharif paddy season.
- Why
- Improved inflows into the Krishna and Godavari river systems have created favourable conditions for cultivation, while a government advisory on El Niño caused confusion among farmers.
Pro-paddy cultivation and farmer protection
Caution against paddy due to El Niño / market concerns
Paddy cultivation strategy
Pro-paddy cultivation and farmer protection
CPM says water should be released and the kharif paddy crop protected, noting improved inflows and farmers already sowing; the El Niño advisory caused confusion.
Caution against paddy due to El Niño / market concerns
The government advised farmers to avoid paddy cultivation in view of the anticipated El Niño impact.
Rice hoarding and prices
Pro-paddy cultivation and farmer protection
CPM alleges traders are hoarding rice by citing fears of lower paddy production, leading to higher prices and burdening consumers.
Caution against paddy due to El Niño / market concerns
Traders reportedly cite fears of lower paddy production as their reason for the situation.
Key facts
- Organization
- Communist Party of India (Marxist)
- State
- Andhra Pradesh
- Region
- Krishna Delta
- Affected crop
- Kharif paddy
- Pattiseema diversion
- 5,200 cusecs currently, up to 7,000 cusecs possible
- Pulichintala reservoir storage
- About 26 TMC
- Proposed release from Pulichintala
- 5,000 cusecs
- Districts facing confusion
- Krishna and Bapatla








