AP Officials told to see that drought' word is banished

Vijayawada: District collectors were advised against using the word “drought”  from next year. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed collectors to take steps and implement plans to make the state drought-proof.

Addressing a collectors' conference here on Monday, Mr Naidu recommended officials to encourage Metta crops in the first phase if water is not sufficiently available in the beginning of the season. Water could later be released for the second crop. The state had lost  first and second crops in the last season from lack of water reserves at upstream projects in River Krishna.

Officials should take proper action and create awareness jointly with officials of the agriculture and irrigation departments, he said.

Cultivation could be initiated in Krishna delta from June this year, he said, adding that water could be diverted from Pattiseema to the delta as also the Rayalaseema districts.

The agriculture sector has registered a seven per cent growth rate, which would not do, and officials should try to improve the situation.

The government has used rain guns for one lakh acres. Deputy CM K.E. Krishna Murthy, finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and chief secretary S.P. Tucker and several ministers were  present.