2 days ago
State Deploys Science-Based Measures to Shield Farmers From El Niño
El Niño can reduce rainfall and make farming more difficult.
The state government says it started preparing before serious drought conditions appeared.
It completed thousands of water-related projects to help raise groundwater levels.
Officials are studying rainfall, soil moisture, reservoirs and crop conditions.
They are grouping farm plots by risk and sending specific advice to farmers.
Many farmers are using methods designed to protect crops when rainfall is uncertain.
The government is also encouraging pulses, millets and short-duration crops instead of water-intensive paddy where water is limited.
It has increased crop-insurance coverage and spent money supporting markets.
Officials also say enough fodder is available for livestock for five months.
The state government says it prepared early for drought risks linked to El Niño.
Jaladhara–Jalaharathi works reportedly raised groundwater levels by 0.79 metres.
About 23 lakh farmers are using PMDS methods across more than 25 lakh acres.
Parcel-level monitoring is guiding advisories based on rainfall, soil moisture and water availability.
Crop insurance, market intervention, alternative crops and fodder supplies are being expanded to protect farmers.
- Who
- The state government and Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu.
- What
- A science- and field-based strategy to reduce El Niño-related drought risks for farmers and crops.
- Where
- Across the state, with the statement issued from Amaravati.
- When
- The minister issued the statement on Friday; the Rythanna Mee Kosam–El Niño Mitigation Plan was launched on August 7.
- Why
- To protect farmers and crops from drought conditions expected to arise from El Niño.
Key facts
- Water works
- 79,826 Jaladhara–Jalaharathi works were completed at a cost of Rs 3,409.35 crore.
- Groundwater change
- The works contributed to a reported 0.79-metre rise in groundwater levels.
- PMDS adoption
- About 23 lakh farmers were using PMDS methods across more than 25 lakh acres.
- Mitigation plan coverage
- The Rythanna Mee Kosam–El Niño Mitigation Plan covers 2.75 crore farm plots belonging to 46.86 lakh farmers.
- Insurance applications
- Applications increased from 19.5 lakh in 2025 to 35.15 lakh in 2026, according to the minister.
- Insurance area
- PMFBY and RWBCIS coverage was extended to 6.30 lakh hectares.
- Seed availability
- The government prepared 47,321 quintals of seeds initially and kept another 1.12 lakh quintals available.
Sources
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