Rainfall boosts Rabi crop hopes but spells trouble for salt farmers in Nellore
Tirupati: Under the influence of the North East monsoon, parts of Nellore and Tirupati districts witnessed light to moderate rains on Wednesday, bringing a glimmer of hope for the Rabi crop sowing, but this is posing serious challenges to salt farmers.
The rainfall has been a welcome development for the farmers, raising their expectations for a successful Rabi crop season. However, the continuous rain, particularly in the coastal mandals of Nellore district, has caused difficulties for salt farmers.
The rain has affected salt pans, making these wet and resulting in damage and financial loss to farmers in the coastal belt.
According to sources, salt cultivation spans over 2,000 acres in various regions, including Kothapalem in Kavali mandal, Isakapalli, Ponnapudi Peddapalem and Gogulapalli in Allur mandal, Krishnapatnam, Nelatur and Gopala Puram in Muthukur mandal and parts of Bogole mandal.
To protect salt stocks, farmers are covering them with sheets to prevent further damage.
Nellore district experienced an average of 2cm rainfall on Wednesday, with Kavali recording the highest at 8cm, followed by Allur with 6cm and Vidavaluru mandals with 5cm.
IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in the region on Thursday and Friday, prompting district administrations to issue alerts and instructing officials to remain vigilant.
In response to the IMD alert, agriculture minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy conducted a meeting to assess the preparations. He advised officials in the coastal mandals to be available round-the clock and ensure supply of food, drinking water and power during heavy rains.
Meanwhile, The Tirupati district administration and TMC have established separate helplines and control rooms to assist the people during the rain. Collector Venkataramana Reddy and municipal commissioner Haritha urged residents to contact the helpline numbers if they faced any problem.
